WEST TISBURY, Mass. (WLNE) — The West Tisbury Emergency Management Department said that Powassan virus was being investigated on Martha’s Vineyard.

The department said Powassan virus can cause severe, life-threatening illness and can spread the infection within 15 minutes of deer tick attachment.

The following steps were recommended to prevent the spread of the virus:

Perform daily tick checks in and around the ears and hair, u nder the arms, a round the waist and back of the knees, i nside the belly button, and b etween the legs

Shower and change after being outdoors

Toss clothes in dryer on high heat

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