Kevin Boyce was hospitalized in April 2024 with a severe case of Powassan virus due to a tick bite
He died weeks later after suffering brain damage from the disease
His family is now sharing his story to encourage others to be cautious about ticks
As the weather gets warmer, one Massachusetts family is sharing their heartbreaking story as a warning to others about a debilitating tick-borne disease.
In April 2024, Kevin Boyce was unknowingly bitten by a tick. He started experiencing headaches, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms that rapidly progressed. Days later, the 62-year-old collapsed in his home and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors diagnosed Kevin with Powassan virus, a rare and dangerous tick-borne disease.
Powassan virus is rare but the number of cases has significantly increased in the past decade. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. Severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (myelitis). About 10% of these advanced cases are fatal, according to Yale Medicine.
Erin explained that despite Kevin being treated in the ICU, he ultimately suffered severe brain damage from the disease.
“His brain had blown up so much, from the encephalitis, and he had really bad brain damage,” she told CBS News. “It was horrifying, but we knew what Kevin would want, so you know, we just had to let him go.”
Kevin died a few weeks after arriving at the hospital, leaving behind a wife, two sons, and a granddaughter. Now, his family hopes his story raises awareness about tick-borne illnesses like Powassan virus. In 2024, 54 cases were reported in the U.S., including 12 in Massachusetts. With no vaccine or treatment available, prevention is key. Experts recommend wearing long, light-colored clothing, using DEET or permethrin repellents, and staying on trails when outdoors. Afterward, check for ticks on yourself, children, and pets. Remove ticks promptly with tweezers. Symptoms may appear within a week to a month after a bite, so stay vigilant.
