Skip to content When Kevin Boyce headed outdoors in April 2024, he never imagined that a tiny tick bite would change everything. Like many people who enjoy hiking, gardening, or simply spending time outside, he brushed off the possibility that a tick could carry anything more serious than a minor irritation.
A few days later, Kevin began feeling unwell.
At first, his symptoms seemed familiar. He felt exhausted, developed a fever, and experienced muscle aches that resembled a stubborn case of the flu. He assumed a few days of rest would have him back on his feet.
Instead, his condition worsened with alarming speed.
The headaches became almost unbearable. Waves of nausea turned into constant vomiting. His family noticed that he seemed unusually confused and struggled to focus on simple conversations. Then came the terrifying moment when he suddenly collapsed.
He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors immediately began searching for the cause of his rapidly declining condition.
After numerous tests, specialists delivered devastating news.
Kevin had contracted Powassan virus, one of the rarest—but potentially most dangerous—tick-borne illnesses in North America.
Unlike many tick-borne infections that respond well to antibiotics, Powassan virus is caused by a virus, meaning there is no specific antiviral treatment. Instead, medical teams can only provide supportive care while the body’s immune system fights the infection.
Unfortunately, in some patients, the virus attacks the central nervous system.
Kevin was one of them.
The infection caused severe inflammation of his brain, a condition known as encephalitis. As the swelling increased, his neurological function rapidly deteriorated.
Despite intensive medical care, specialists were unable to stop the damage.
Within only a few weeks of what had seemed like an ordinary tick bite, Kevin passed away.
His family was left struggling to understand how something so small could have such devastating consequences.
Today, they are sharing Kevin’s story in hopes that others will recognize the importance of tick prevention and early medical attention.
What Is Powassan Virus?
Powassan virus is a rare infection transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks. Although far less common than Lyme disease, it can be much more serious when it affects the brain or spinal cord.
Many people exposed to the virus never develop symptoms.
However, those who become ill may initially experience:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If the virus spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can become much more severe.