Health
Tick bites reach nearly decade high as lone star ticks spread Alpha-gal syndrome
Growing populations of lone star ticks and white-tailed deer fuel a surge in red meat allergies across regions like the Northeast.
The short version
- Emergency department visits for tick bites have climbed to their highest level in roughly a decade as lone star tick populations expand geographically.
- Bites from the lone star tick can trigger Alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat and certain animal products that can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis.
- Experts link the increase to high deer populations acting as tick hosts alongside growing diagnostic and public awareness of the condition.
Key facts
- Emergency room visits for tick bites have reached their highest point in almost ten years amid an expansion of tick ranges across the country.[CBS News]
- Alpha-gal syndrome is transmitted through lone star tick bites and causes allergic reactions to mammalian meat such as beef, pork, and lamb, and in some cases to dairy, gelatin capsules, and other animal derivatives.[CBS News]
- According to Tufts University professor Sam Telford, Alpha-gal syndrome was first identified in the mid-to-late 2000s and has affected the South and Midwest for years, though regional surges in the Northeast have recently elevated its national profile.[CBS News]
- White-tailed deer serve as primary hosts, with single deer capable of feeding up to 1,500 ticks in a season.[CBS News]
- Health specialists recommend preventive strategies including applying permethrin to garments, checking for ticks twice daily, running worn clothes through a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes, and managing local deer populations.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- The long-term permanence of Alpha-gal syndrome varies, as experts note sensitivity may subside over time allowing gradual meat reintroduction, provided individuals avoid subsequent tick bites.[CBS News]
Sources
- The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndromeCBS News - Health