An arboviral theory of multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented. Although high MS rates correlate with the distribution of certain populations, high rates also correlate with the distribution of Ixodes genus tick viruses. These ticks and viruses are globally distributed by polar-migrating seabirds which are important food sources for island and coastal communities with high MS. Investigation of tick-borne viruses, especially those found in seabirds, in MS is warranted.
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