Maine Confirms 3rd Powassan Virus Case of 2026 in Lincoln County

3 articles · Updated · WGME · Jul 23

A Lincoln County adult tested positive for Powassan virus, giving Maine its third confirmed case this year, after earlier cases in York and Penobscot counties.
Powassan is a rare tick-borne disease with no vaccine or preventive medication, and symptoms can begin with fever, headache, vomiting and weakness.
Severe infections can progress to encephalitis or meningitis, with confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulty and seizures among the warning signs.
About 1 in 10 people with severe disease die, and roughly half of survivors face long-term problems such as recurring headaches, muscle weakness or memory issues.
Older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk, though the CDC says anyone can develop severe illness.