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. EEE risk levels lowered across the state 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.  Average dates of first frost continues to get later 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 Range of the Gulf Coast Tick (Courtesy: Yale School of Public Health) Local News Headlines AG sees $10 Mil in relief in “zombie mortgage” settlement City of Westfield cancels leaf pickup due to cost increase Springfield officials provide update on surge of school hoax threats Live: How you can help after Helene WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.