- Alpha-gal syndrome is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs in mammals after a tick bite.
- The Lone Star Tick can transmit Alpha-Gal Syndrome to humans through its saliva.
- The CDC says up to 450,000 people may have had the syndrome but not reported it.
Rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity can lead to tick infestations, and their bites can prevent you from eating meat.
Health officials at the National Library of Medicine have warned that tick activity may increase during the summer months.
Discussions are starting to turn to the Lone Star Tick, which can cause meat allergies, and what signs and symptoms to look out for to protect you and your family this summer.
Lone star ticks can transmit alpha-gal syndrome to humans through their saliva. Alpha-gal syndrome is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs in mammals after a tick bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have been bitten may develop symptoms after eating red meat or coming into contact with mammalian products.
These ticks are typically found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central U.S. Female ticks can be identified by a white spot, or “star,” on their backs, according to the CDC.
Alpha-gal Syndrome:Lone Star Tick Bites Can Cause Meat Allergies, Beware This Summer
“The overwhelming majority of cases have occurred within the range of the Lone Star tick, which is why the majority of AGS cases have been identified in the eastern, southeastern and south-central U.S., which is also the range of this particular tick species,” Dr. Joanna Salzer, a veterinarian and disease ecologist at the CDC, told USA Today in a statement. “A previous report from last July found that a small number of people had tested positive outside of this geographic range, but the reasons for this are unclear without further investigation of each individual case.”
According to data collected by government agencies, there were more than 110,000 cases of alpha-gal syndrome reported in the United States between 2010 and 2022. However, the CDC said up to 450,000 people may have the syndrome but not report it. For the syndrome to be counted in the dataset, a positive diagnostic test and lab workup must be completed.
“Alpha-gal syndrome is an important emerging public health issue that can have serious lifelong health consequences for some patients,” epidemiologist Anne Carpenter, lead author of the study published in 2023, said on the CDC website.
Here’s what you need to know about Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
Lyme disease:It’s becoming a big question: Which states have the highest number of cases?
Map shows states with the most cases of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
According to data compiled by the CDC, the following states had the highest rates of suspected cases between January 2017 and December 2022: USA TODAY reached out to the CDC and learned this is the most recent data set on alpha-gal syndrome cases.
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland,
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Virginia
What are the symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
People who are bitten by a Lone Star Tick may experience symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, including:
- Hives and itching.
- Itchy and scaly skin.
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting.
The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- A fast or weak pulse.
- Feeling dizzy or unsteady.
- Drooling and unable to swallow.
- The redness and heat of the whole body is called “flushing.”
Foods that can cause alpha-gal allergy after lone star tick bite
The Mayo Clinic lists several foods that may cause an alpha-gal allergic reaction.
- Red meat
- Organ meats
- Mammal-derived products
How to Prevent Alpha-Gal Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following preventative measures can help prevent lone star tick bites:
- cover up
- Use bug spray
- Protect your garden from mites
- Check yourself and your kids
- Take a shower immediately
- Quickly removes mites
Ajane Forbes is a reporter for USA Today’s National Trends team. Ajane covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at email addressInstagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) From @forbesfineest.
Julia is a popular reporter for USA Today, covering a variety of topics from local Miami business and government to technology and pop culture. You can connect with or follow her on LinkedIn. X, formerly TwitterInstagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz
