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What’s driving New England’s tick boom? Here are key moments that led to the surge.

Winter snow cover is contributing to an increase in tick populations. The Powassan virus is spreading across the US and can cause brain damage. Maine has confirmed its first case of the virus for 2026.

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What changed

Maine reported its first Powassan virus infection of 2026 in a Penobscot County resident.

Live updates

  1. Winter Snow Cover and Viral Spread Fuel New England Tick Surge

    Winter snow cover is contributing to an increase in tick populations. The Powassan virus is spreading across the US and can cause brain damage. Maine has confirmed its first case of the virus for 2026.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Maine CDC confirmed the first case of Powassan virus for 2026 in a Penobscot County resident.
    • A tick-borne disease capable of causing brain damage is spreading across the US.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Winter snow cover contributes to the explosion of ticks.
    • A New Hampshire man was hospitalized for weeks after contracting a tick-borne illness.
    confidence 85%