Lone Star Ticks Surge on Martha’s Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard, the playground of the rich and famous off the south coast of Massachusetts, is infested with tourists this time of year. However, island residents are dealing with a different, less welcome infestation – one that is potentially life-threatening.

The lone star tick population has grown rapidly on the island in recent years, spreading concern amongst its residents.

READ MORE: Massachusetts' Nasty New Tick: What You Need to Know

The New York Times reported, "a single bite can leave people with a life-threatening allergy to most meat and dairy."

"Known as Alpha-gal syndrome, the condition is changing the way many people shop, cook, and eat in a place long known as a food lover's retreat for its thriving independent farms and restaurants," according to the Times.

Ether Genter wrote for Martha's Vineyard Magazine, "In just a matter of years, lone star tick populations and attendant cases of alpha-gal syndrome have skyrocketed, reshaping our relationship with food and the outdoors."

Lone Star Tick History on Martha’s Vineyard

The lone star tick, first discovered on Martha's Vineyard in 1985, has experienced a rapid population growth ever since.

"In just the past five years, the allergy has undergone a rapid rise on Martha's Vineyard, causing concern among medical experts and potentially reshaping people's relationship with the outdoors and food," according to Genter.

Neighboring island Nantucket and Long Island, New York, also have issues with lone star ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome.

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Rising Cases and Medical Concerns

"The Vineyard is no stranger to ailments from ticks – it has one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the country and is the highest in the state," Genter wrote.

The New York Times reported that "Last year, out of 1,254 tests for the (Alpha-gal syndrome) allergy, 523 came back positive, according to laboratory data from Martha's Vineyard Hospital."

"This was a stunningly fast rise from 2020, when only two out of nine tests were positive," the paper reported.

Riverside Health stated there is currently no cure for Alpha-gal syndrome.