Young Connecticut man recovering after severe Powassan infection

ByDorothy Leland

A Connecticut family is speaking out after their 20‑year‑old son was suddenly struck by Powassan virus.

It’s a rare and dangerous tick‑borne illness that can cause severe neurological complications.

It all started when he was walking his dog and noticed a tick on himself when he got home. He removed the tick and looked for a rash. “There was nothing like that,” he said.

Two weeks later, what started as a high fever turned into an inability to walk and talk.

Learn more of his story in this report from NBC Connecticut.

Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.