MARTHA'S VINEYARD — Massachusetts became the 14th jurisdiction to mandate reporting of alpha-gal syndrome cases in April. This development occurred as tick populations rise and lone star ticks spread on Martha's Vineyard.

Ticks are arachnid parasites residing in grass and woods, with some types capable of transmitting bacteria causing Lyme disease or other illnesses. May and June mark the peak months for tick activity. The current tick season is showing indicators of being among the top three in the past decade, and the overall number of tickborne diseases, types of diseases, and tick bites are generally increasing.

The rise in tick bites and associated diseases coincides with the resurgence of white-tailed deer, particularly in the Northeast. The white-tailed deer population in the Northeast was almost eliminated a century ago. Martha's Vineyard has more than 50 deer per square mile on average, which is three to four times the density recommended by state wildlife officials. Lea Hamner, an epidemiologist who works with the Martha's Vineyard Tick Program, said, "We've overshot that comeback story significantly." She added, "We like to call them the party bus or the singles bar for ticks." Ticks drop off deer and deposit eggs wherever the deer roam. Removing ticks promptly can reduce the chances of disease transmission.

The lone star tick arrived on Martha's Vineyard in 2011, having likely migrated on the backs of birds, and later reached mainland Cape Cod. Bites from lone star ticks are itchier than deer tick bites. Hamner explained that lone star ticks have a sugar in their saliva that can cause life-threatening allergies to certain foods, adding, "Red meat, mammalian meat, is the common denominator." She also noted that a smaller number of individuals react to dairy products, which also come from mammals. Some individuals develop sensitivities to gelatin capsules used in medicines, as well as certain soaps and shampoos, because of lone star tick bites. Local chefs on Martha's Vineyard are offering options friendly to those with alpha-gal syndrome.

Alison Hinckley, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "According to our Tick Bite Tracker, ticks are out everywhere." She added, "We've seen a real uptick in areas where Lyme disease occurs." Hinckley also advised, "So it's an important time to watch out for tick bites." Pfizer is currently developing a Lyme disease vaccine. Escher Cattle, an entomologist and tick educator, recommends pretreating outdoor clothing with permethrin and wearing EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin. Cattle advises performing a full-body tick check after traversing potential tick habitats.