A mom says her infant daughter may be the patient that health officials said is under investigation for having a rare Powassan virus infection.

While rare, the rate of the Powassan virus is increasing and can cause severe disease, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

An uncommon tick-borne illness called Powassan virus is making headlines in New England right now because a newborn baby in Massachusetts is believed to have it. Here in Connecticut, the CDC says three people have contracted the virus this year.