Newborn infected with rare virus after Martha's Vineyard walk

A young infant's serious illness is raising alarm among local residents about a rare tick-borne disease.

Newborn suffers brain damage from rare virus after walk in Martha's Vineyard

A one-month-old baby named Lily Belle Sisco has sustained brain damage after being bitten by a tick while on a walk in Martha's Vineyard. The infant was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital with a persistent fever and subsequently diagnosed with viral encephalitis caused by the Powassan virus. This rare but severe illness has become more prevalent in recent years, and the Sisco family is one of the few to report such a case on the island. The family has started a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses and is urging others to be vigilant about tick bites. They hope to raise awareness to prevent further cases as the tick population rises in New England.

The case of Lily Belle Sisco highlights an alarming increase in tick-borne diseases, particularly Powassan virus, in a region that has seen little incidence over the years. With the warmer climate and changes in environmental conditions, ticks are becoming more prevalent, posing a growing threat to public health. Local residents are now encouraged to take serious precautions, as this newborn's tragic experience has revealed that even brief exposure can have devastating consequences. As awareness spreads, it may lead to discussions about better preventive measures and public health initiatives in tick-prone areas.

Highlights

As the tick season continues, residents must remain vigilant to avoid future infections.