nothin New Haven Independent | Powassan Tick Virus Scare Is Just That

Powassan Tick Virus Scare Is Just That

Back in 2008 tick researchers detected the Powassan virus in ticks found near Lake Gaillard in North Branford and Lake Success in Bridgeport. That was seven years ago.

These days researchers are doing more research to test if this type of black-legged deer tick may be found in other locations and to see if it is carrying that virus. That is what researchers do. The research in Connecticut is being done by the Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Disease at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

In the last few days, however, news reports say the tick has been found in Branford. Not true. Maybe the reports were thinking about 2008 when they were detected near Lake Gaillard in North Branford. The Powassan tick virus is extremely rare, with only about 50 reported cases over the last decade in the nation.

There have been no human Powassan tick cases in Connecticut. There have been 17 reported human cases over the years in New York state and the Great Lake states and one In Massachusetts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Powassan virus is named after a town in Canada where it was first detected in 1958.

The tick season typically begins in May and June although there are reports that ticks are now on the scene. Most folks know what precautions to take. For example, when walking in the woods apply insect repellent, wear long pants, tuck your pants into your socks and check yourself and your dog when you return home.

The Powassan virus is a strain related to West Nile that can be transmitted to humans. Lyme is a bacterial illness, but the Powassan tick is a flavivirus, which is extremely swift and potentially deadly. 
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