Connecticut reports year’s first fatality, second case of Powassan virus due to tick bite

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) recently announced the state’s second case of Powassan virus infection (POWV) and first fatality in 2022, according to their press release. 

“This incident reminds us that residents need to take actions to prevent tick bites now through the late fall,” said Dr. Manisha Juthani, who is the commissioner of the state’s DPH. 

“DPH stresses the use of insect repellent this summer and avoiding high-risk areas, such as tall grass, where ticks may be found. It’s also important to check carefully for ticks after being outside which can reduce the chance of you and your family members being infected with this dangerous virus.”

The female patient, who was the state’s second reported case who tested positive for the virus this year, was between the age of 90 to 99.

She lived in New London County with a known tick bite, which was removed two weeks prior to onset of symptoms.

She started to not feel well in early May, then was later admitted to a local hospital complaining of fever, altered mental status, headache and chest pain, but became unresponsive over the next two weeks and died on May 17. 

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Testing performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of antibodies to POWV.

12 cases of POWV associated illness were reported in Connecticut during 2017 to 2021, including two which were fatal. 

Connecticut’s first case with POWV was a male in his 50s, who was a resident of Windham County who became sick in late March after a known tick bite. 

He was hospitalized with a central nervous system disease but was discharged from the hospital and recovered at home. 

“Commissioner Juthani added that POWV is usually spread through the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick. It takes a week to one month after the bite from an infected tick to develop symptoms of POWV disease, and the virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick first attaches,” the state’s press release said.

Although some people infected with the virus will have minimal to no symptoms, some will develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system.

Severe cases may start with fevers, headache, and vomiting that rapidly progresses to confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or seizures.

Approximately 10% cases of severe illness are fatal and approximately half of survivors experience long-term health problems, per the release. 

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There is no specific treatment or vaccine for POWV, but severe illness may require hospitalization, respiratory support and hydration. 

To prevent tick bites, the health department recommends avoiding “grassy, brushy or wooded areas,” considering use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, performing a skin check immediately after returning indoors, and showering within two hours of coming home.

It also reminds the public that although ticks are most active from spring to fall, they may also be active during winter when it is warmer outside.

For more information on Powassan virus and how to prevent tick bites, click here.