NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Lyme disease has plagued Nantucket<\/a> for decades, affecting residents and raising concerns for visitors exploring the island’s beaches, trails and conservation land.<\/p>\n Researchers are now exploring whether mice could help slow the spread of the disease.<\/p>\n The project, known as Mice Against Ticks, is a collaboration involving researchers from MIT that aims to reduce Lyme disease by interrupting the cycle that allows ticks to become infected<\/a>.<\/p>\n DANGEROUS TICK-BORNE VIRUS CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE IN VULNERABLE YOUNG PATIENT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Nantucket, located about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod<\/a>, has become a focal point for the effort because Lyme disease has had an outsized impact on the island.<\/p>\n Lyme disease has long been a concern for Nantucket residents and visitors alike.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Roughly 15% of residents have been affected by the illness, CBS News<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n “The natural disaster in our area is not hurricanes, or tornadoes, or earthquakes; it is Lyme disease,” MIT researcher Kevin Esvelt told the outlet.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n White-footed mice play a major role in the Lyme disease cycle. While people contract Lyme disease from infected ticks, ticks often become infected after feeding on mice that carry the bacteria<\/a>.<\/p>\n Researchers hope that if mice can no longer pass Lyme disease to ticks, the number of infected ticks will decline over time.<\/p>\n Researchers are testing whether mice can help slow the spread of Lyme disease on Nantucket.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The specially bred mice would carry protective antibodies from birth, helping shield them from Lyme disease and preventing them from spreading the bacteria to ticks, Mice Against Ticks said.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n While the island is best known as a summer getaway<\/a>, attracting visitors with its beaches, historic downtown and outdoor recreation, health officials say tick-borne illnesses remain a persistent concern.<\/p>\n Nantucket has one of the highest incidence rates of tick-borne disease in the country and advises residents and visitors to focus on prevention<\/a>, including using insect repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking regularly for ticks, Nantucket Cottage Hospital notes on its website.<\/p>\n While Nantucket is home to beaches, a historic downtown and outdoor recreation that attract summer visitors, health officials say tick-borne illnesses remain a persistent concern.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The proposal has generated discussion online.<\/p>\n Some commenters expressed support for exploring new ways to combat Lyme disease.<\/p>\n![\"White](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1200\/675\/nantucket-lighthouse.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1\")
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