In the summer of 2014, Newtown Health Director Donna Culbert received a notice from the state Department of Health flagging the presence of an emerging but rare infectious disease that had been isolated in several ticks in Connecticut, that also turned up in a number of other states, including neighboring New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

The tickborne Powassan virus neuroinvasive disease (POWV) was first identified in Connecticut in 2008, Ms Culbert said, and has since been found in local deer populations.

“It’s important to know there have been no human cases of the disease reported in Connecticut since it was discovered in 2008,” Ms Culbert said. “And the symptoms are only developing in a segment of those exposed.”

According to a paper by John F. Anderson and Philip M. Armstrong, published by the National Institutes of Health in October 2012, a total of 30 POWV-positive ticks were collected among 1,190 specimens in Bridgeport and North Branford in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012; one earlier sample was collected in Old Lyme in 1978.

Mr Armstrong is a virologist and medical entomologist at the Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, part of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Approximately 50 cases of POWV disease were reported in the United States over the past ten years. POWV is one of a group of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

The CDC states that POWV is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick and not transmitted directly from person-to-person. Most cases have occurred in the northeastern and Great Lakes regions of the United States during the late spring, early summer, and mid-fall when ticks are most active.

Anyone bitten by a tick in an area where the virus is commonly found can get infected with POWV. The risk is highest for people who live, work or recreate in brushy or wooded areas, because of greater exposure to potentially infected ticks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says some people who become infected with POWV do not develop any symptoms. In others, POWV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures. Treatment for severe illnesses may include hospitalization, respiratory support, and intravenous fluids.

The best way to prevent POWV is by protecting yourself from tick bites by following these steps:

*Avoid contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass.

*Apply insect repellents to bare skin, according to label instructions.

*Repellents containing DEET can be applied to exposed skin, but only last a few hours.

*Clothing and gear can be treated with permethrin, which remains protective through several washings.

*Find and remove ticks immediately before they have a chance to bite and attach.

*Bathe or shower (preferably within two hours after being outdoors) to wash off and find ticks on your body.

*Conduct a full-body tick check. Parents should thoroughly check children, especially in their hair.

*Also examine clothing, gear, and pets.

The only fatal case tied to POWV was a child who died in the town of Powassan, Ontario, Canada, in 1958.

On Friday, April 10, the Health District issued a reminder to all residents that it is important to learn about ticks and tick bite prevention, and to remember its BLAST message. BLAST stands for five important things everyone can do be aware and to stay safe from tick-borne diseases:

B stands for bathing soon after spending time outdoors;

L reminds everyone to look their bodies over for ticks daily and for expanding rashes;

A encourages everyone to avoid ticks when possible, and when necessary, apply repellent;

S stands for safeguarding property (yards) to reduce possible tick exposure; and

T reminds everyone about treatment. Receiving early medical treatment is the key to preventing long-term health effects. It is also important to treat pets.

There is detailed information about the BLAST message at the Newtown Health District’s webpage on the town’s website, newtown-ct.gov.

As of April 15, ten ticks had been turned in to the Newtown Health Department for testing. Results had not yet been publicly posted.

“There are support therapies if someone comes down with POWV,” Ms Culbert said, “but folks shouldn’t count on getting treatment, you have to prevent the bite.”

For additional information on ticks and tickborne disease prevention, contact the Newtown Health District at 203-270-4291 or health.district@newtown-ct.gov.