Connecticut confirms 2 Powassan virus infections: What to know about tick-borne illness

Health officials in Connecticut announced the state’s first two cases of Powassan virus detected in 2021.

"The identification of two Connecticut residents with Powassan virus associated illness emphasizes the need to take actions to prevent tick bites while ticks are most active, from now through the late fall," Deidre S. Gifford, MD., MPH, the state’s acting department of public health commissioner, said in a statement. "Using insect repellent, avoiding areas where ticks are likely, and checking carefully for ticks after being outside can reduce the chance of you or your children being infected with this virus."  Powassan virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected black-legged or ‘deer’ tick, and can take anywhere from one week to one month afterward to begin impacting the central nervous system. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, about one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal, and approximately half of all survivors experience long term health problems.