As if there wasn't enough reason to hate ticks already, now a rare disease has been found in some ticks in Connecticut.

According to the Danbury Daily Voice, the Powassan virus is a tick-born disease that can be life-threatening. It has been found in two locations in Connecticut, one of them being Bridgeport's Lake Success.

Scientists are studying the ticks carrying this virus and the areas where they were found. They are working hard to capture the ticks that may be carrying the Powassan virus.

News 8, WTNH, spoke with a research scientist, Philip Armstrong, who said that while the virus is not treatable, most people can fight it off.

Armstrong said that even though they (the scientists) think most people's immune system will be able to fend off the virus, people should still take precautions to avoid getting bitten. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, tick repellent, and always do a tick check.

The Powassan virus attacks the nervous system and can cause long-term damage, so please be careful. The virus, as opposed to Lyme disease, is transmitted almost immediately.

If you find a tick on you, pull it off with tweezers as close to the attachment as you can, pull straight out, and then disinfect with rubbing alcohol.

 

Listen to Liz Kaye weekdays from 10-2 on 105.5 FM. You can listen online by clicking here or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.

More From The Wolf