DPH: Two CT residents test positive for Powassan virus infection - WFSB

Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis.

Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis.

(WFSB) – The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that two residents have tested positive for Powassan virus infection.

The virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected tick black-legged or “deer” tick.

DPH says it takes one week to one month after the bite of an infected tick to develop symptoms.

DPH says while most people will likely experience no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, some people will develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system.

The two people in Connecticut who tested positive are between the ages of 50 and 79 and both became ill during the third week of April.

"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." said DPH Acting Commissioner Deidra S.

"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.".