As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, concerns over tick bites surge.
There are particular worries about the lone-star tick, linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which causes a serious allergic reaction to red meat and other products from mammals.
AGS has seen a significant rise in reported cases. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the states most affected by this emerging condition.
The Context
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic condition triggered by the bite of the lone star tick. This allergy, unlike others, can result in severe reactions hours after consuming red meat or products from mammals like milk or gelatin-coated medications.
The CDC has reported that the number of suspected AGS cases in the United States has substantially increased since 2010. The CDC also reported that between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022, 90,018 people were classified as having suspected AGS in the United States. The number of new suspected cases increased by approximately 15,000 each year during the study.
What We Know
According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition begins with the bite of the lone star tick, which transfers a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. In some people, this triggers a response from the immune system that causes a mild to severe allergic reaction to red meat, like pork or lamb.
It can also cause reactions to other foods that come from mammals, like gelatins or dairy products.
States with established populations of lone star ticks, particularly in the southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic regions, have seen the highest number of cases.
There is no treatment for this other than avoiding red meat. Reactions usually appear three to six hours after you are exposed.
A person who has been bitten by a lone star tick may experience AGS symptoms, which can include:
– Hives or itching
– Itchy or scaly skin
– Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or other body parts
– Wheezing or shortness of breath
– Stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting
The Mayo Clinic advises that you should seek medical treatment if you experience the following symptoms:
– Trouble breathing
– Rapid or weak pulse
– Dizzy or lightheaded feeling
– Drooling and not being able to swallow
– Full-body redness and warmth called flushing
What’s Next
The increase in AGS cases underscores the importance of preventive measures. The Mayo Clinic advises that it is best to avoid tick bites to prevent AGS. It suggests wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when in grassy wooded areas and using bug spray. It also recommends checking your whole body for ticks after spending time outside.
Enhancing awareness and education among healthcare providers is crucial. Surveys indicate that nearly half of healthcare providers are not familiar with AGS, and a significant portion of those that are aware lack confidence in diagnosing and managing the condition.
As climate change continues to alter the habitats of various tick species, ongoing surveillance and adaptive public health responses will be essential in managing the spread of AGS and other tick-borne diseases.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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