Question
My lawn, in a Northeasternm mid-Atlantic state, has grass, ivy, pachysandra and vinca.All have been doing well until this year.
The ivy, in one and only one section of the lawn has many dead leaves, dying leaves, sickly-looking leaves and ditto for the runners. The dying leaves are no longer a healthy green, but an ugly dark color with whitish borders that are curled.
Other areas of ivy are thriving like crazy.
What is causing the (apparent) infection and what can I do other than removing them and starting over? The spring has been a wet one, so there is no problem of insufficient moisture.  

Answer
It could be a fungus or mold.I would cut the infected pieces off and throw them away. Then scoop up the soil that they were in and throw it out.Get some fungicide and spray the entire area,including the surrounding area so it won't spread to healthy plants.
Luckily ivy is a fast grower and it shouldn't take long to have another little patch started.Take the runners and point them in the direction that you want them to grow.Get some little metal garden staples(U shaped) and put it firmly over the ivy runner so as to make it secure onto the soil.Do this with each runner.Then water really good if it doesn't rain for a week or so. That's it.
I have never seen Ivy with a fungus but I am sure I will at some point,because I see it and work with it every day.I don't know of anyone that doesn't have Ivy,so that should tell you how vigorous and low maintenance it can be.
Have a great summer!