A slight fever and a bit of fatigue didn’t seem like anything serious at first. It was the kind of discomfort most people ignore. But behind it was a moment no one noticed—a tiny tick bite on a spring afternoon. What followed changed one family forever.Kevin Boyce, a healthy man, suddenly found himself getting worse by the day. Fevers wouldn’t break, headaches became unbearable, and nausea left him unable to keep food down. His family watched in disbelief as he became increasingly confused and exhausted. Within days, he needed urgent medical care.
Doctors ran test after test, searching for answers. When the diagnosis finally came, it revealed a rare but aggressive tick-borne illness: Powassan virus. The infection attacks the brain and can progress with devastating speed. In Kevin’s case, the swelling and neurological damage were overwhelming.
Despite intensive treatment, his condition continued to decline, and he tragically passed away only a few weeks later.In the months that followed, his family struggled to understand how something so small could cause such profound loss. They now share his story to raise awareness and prevent others from facing the same heartbreak.
They urge everyone to protect themselves outdoors—use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily, and always do a full-body check after spending time in nature. And if unusual symptoms appear after being outside, seek medical help quickly. Kevin’s story can’t be changed, but his family hopes it can save someone else. Awareness is simple—but it can make all the difference.