Human case of new tick-borne illness found in Connecticut

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WWLP) – The first human case of a new tick disease in the Northeast has now been found in Connecticut.

The disease carried by Gulf Coast ticks is called Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis . A woman in northern Fairfield County was reportedly infected late last year. Pictures show the bite wound on the back of the neck and spots found on the patient’s leg.

Researchers say the symptoms are similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever which is spots all over the body, but the Gulf Coast disease is milder. Ticks usually stay alive until the first hard frost of the season.

Signs and symptoms of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis

• An eschar develops, which is a scab-like covering over wounds.
• Followed by a fever, muscle pain, headache, and rash. The rash is often described as maculopapular or vesicular eruptions on the trunk and extremities.
• Regional lymphadenopathy is detected in about 25% of patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms are rare.
• Patients often develop mildly elevated levels of hepatic transaminases, mild leukopenia, and less frequently mild thrombocytopenia.

Gulf Coast Ticks in 2024

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