Tick Talk 2025 is a Wrap!

Tick Talk 2025 was a morning of practical information about tick borne illness and allergy - which ones are most prevalent on the Vineyard, strategies for preventing tick bites, what to do if you are (or think you have been) bitten, current treatments for the various tick-borne illnesses, and the latest research.

• Aubrey Ryan, PA-C from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Ed Caldwell, Island allergist, provided an overview of tick-borne illness and allergy on the Island. CLICK HERE for Aubrey’s presentation.

• Martha’s Vineyard Medical practitioners Gerry Yukevich, Bill Tsikitas, Kathleen Koehler and Kelley Ellsworth participated in a panel discussion focused on the diagnosis and treatment of the various tick-borne illnesses most commonly seen on the Vineyard. CLICK HERE for Kelley’s presentation about Tick Disease & Darker Complexions.

• Patrick Roden-Reynolds of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick-Borne Illness Reduction Initiative and Paul Elias, founder of Ticktogs, discussed tick bite prevention strategies. CLICK HERE for Patrick’s presentation and HERE for Paul’s.

• Dr. Jake Tedaldi shared insights into how tick-borne illnesses in pets can be diagnosed and treated. CLICK HERE

• Jo Marie Solet and Georgi Prevosti offered powerful personal stories of their experiences living with Alpha-gal (Jo) and chronic Lyme (Georgi).

• Sam Telford from Tufts, Isobel Renai from Harvard and the Vineyard’s own Dick Johnson discussed the latest research, including developments in vaccines and emerging treatments and strategies.

Martha’s Vineyard has one of the highest Lyme disease infection rates in the country—and alpha-gal syndrome is now rapidly emerging as a major concern. Testing for Alpha-Gal Syndrome has skyrocketed, from just nine tests ordered and two positives in 2020, to 1254 ordered with 523 positives last year.

Martha’s Vineyard Medical sees patients every day who have a tick bite or are experiencing symptoms of tick-borne illness. A trusted provider of high-quality healthcare for both Island residents and visitors, the practice offers comprehensive primary care six days a week, with a dedicated team focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Special thanks to Project Lyme, the Johnson Family Foundation, the Island Tick-Borne Illness Prevention Fund, the Fledgling Fund, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and D. Best Construction for their generous support.