Visiting Martha’s Vineyard: Tick Awareness & Traveler Health
Like many outdoor destinations in New England, Martha’s Vineyard is home to ticks. Recent news about Alpha-Gal Syndrome has raised questions, and while awareness is important, it does not reflect the typical experience of most visitors to the Island.
Each year, thousands of guests safely enjoy our beaches, bike paths, trails, farms, and historic towns. With a few simple precautions, you can do the same:
- Use insect repellent when outdoors
- Wear long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and long pants on wooded trails
- Perform daily tick checks after outside activities
If you do get a tick bite:
- Remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up without twisting.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
- Monitor for any rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms and contact a healthcare provider like the Martha's Vineyard Hospital if they develop.
- For more information, check out more information from Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative
The CDC provides excellent guidance on preventing and responding to tick bites: CDC – Preventing Tick Bites.
Martha’s Vineyard remains one of New England’s most beloved destinations, offering world-class dining, shopping, cultural events, and stunning natural beauty. With awareness and basic precautions, visitors can confidently explore the Island and make the most of their time here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Martha’s Vineyard!
