Maine officials confirm first Powassan virus death of 2023

Officials in Maine have confirmed the first fatal case of the Powassan virus disease in 2023. 

The Maine Center for Disease Control said Wednesday they found the tick-borne illness in an adult resident from Sagadahoc County. Robert J. Weymouth, 58, of Portland was identified as the person who died after complications with the virus, according to a local obituary. He developed neurological symptoms and died in the hospital after becoming infected, likely in the state, according to the Maine CDC. 

His widow, Annemarie Weymouth, is now warning others about protecting themselves from the illness.