A Rainy Day on the Vineyard Summary and Analysis

Guests at a house party in Martha's Vineyard all became ill with what appeared to be an antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. Some recovered, but others remained seriously ill. Immediately, health officials suspected the possibility of babesiosis, a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks, and one which had shown up on the Eastern coast before. Other options were a variety of viral diseases, all with pulmonary symptoms. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta was called in for assistance, and the investigation centered first on a complete study of the cottage and grounds where all patients had stayed. Samples were taken of water, wood, earth, the septic tank, dust, etc., all of which would be tested. Blood analyses of all victims were conducted also.

Results of the blood tests showed antibodies for tularemia, a bacteria...