Martha’s Vineyard health officials are investigating a potential infection of the serious tick-borne disease Powassan virus. The virus, transmitted by deer ticks, can cause severe symptoms including brain swelling, confusion, and seizures.
According to Dr. Sam Telford, a Tufts University professor with research on Martha’s Vineyard, Powassan virus is present in deer ticks every year but rare disease cases are extremely uncommon. To prevent tick bites, health officials recommend treating clothing with permethrin, wearing light-colored clothing, using DEET repellents, and tucking pants into socks.
The risk of encountering ticks and getting bitten on Martha’s Vineyard remains high throughout the year due to the presence of multiple tick species. “Preventing tick bites is crucial,” says Lea Hamner, a contract epidemiologist for Dukes County. “With no treatment or cure available, the best protection is to prevent tick bites in the first place.”
Source: https://turnto10.com/news/local/cape-cod-health-officials-investigate-potential-infection-serious-tick-borne-virus-powassan-disease-deer-bite-no-treatment-marthas-vineyard-august-5-2025