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.