Four people in Connecticut have tested positive for Powassan virus, the state department of health confirmed Monday, the first cases of the virus identified in Connecticut this year.
Powassan virus is rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the number of reported cases has increased in recent years. The virus is spread through a tick bite.
All four of the patients had reported a known tick bite and were hospitalized with a central nervous system disease, the Connecticut Department of Public Health said, and laboratory tests confirmed they all had the presence of Powassan virus antibodies. They have all since been discharged and are recovering.
Here’s what to know about Powassan virus.
What is Powassan virus?
Powassan virus is spread through a bite from an infected blacklegged, or deer tick, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after a tick first attaches itself to you.
Associated illness with the virus have been reported from early spring until late fall.
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Where is Powassan virus found?
The virus’ name comes from Powassan, Ontario, Canada, after it caused the death of a 5-year-old diagnosed with encephalitis, or an infection of the brain.
Powassan virus has been found in North America, in the U.S. and Canada, and in Russia.
What are the symptoms of Powassan virus?
According to the CDC, it can take between one week to a month to develop symptoms after the tick bite, although many people infected with Powassan virus do not have any symptoms.
Initial symptoms to look out for include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness.
Powassan virus can also cause severe disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, or infection of membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These symptoms can include confusion, loss of coordination, difficultly speaking and seizures.
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