Do you live near Lone Star Ticks? Map shows states with the highest number of Alpha-Gal cases

As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, concerns about tick bites increase.

Of particular concern is the lone star tick, linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which causes a severe allergic reaction to red meat and other mammalian products.

AGS has seen a significant increase in the number of reported cases. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the states most affected by this emerging disease.

The context

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy caused by the bite of the star tick. Unlike other allergies, this allergy can cause severe reactions within hours of consuming red meat or mammalian products such as milk or gelatin-coated medications.

The CDC reported that the number of suspected cases of SGA in the United States has increased significantly since 2010. The CDC also reported that between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022, 90,018 people were classified as having suspected SGA 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 disease begins with a tick bite, which transfers a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. In some people, this triggers an immune system response that causes a mild to severe allergic reaction to red meat, such as pork or lamb.

It can also cause reactions to other foods from mammals, such as gelatins or dairy products.

States with established lone star tick populations, particularly in the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, have seen the highest number of cases.

There is no treatment for this problem, other than avoiding red meat. Reactions usually appear three to six hours after exposure.

A person bitten by a lone star tick may experience symptoms of AGS, which may include:

– Hives or itching

– Itchy or flaky skin

– Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or other parts of the body

– Wheezing or shortness of breath

– Stomach ache, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting

The Mayo Clinic advises you to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

– Difficulty breathing

– Fast or weak pulse

– Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

– Drooling and not being able to swallow

– Redness and warmth all over the body called hot flashes

And after

The rise in AGS cases underscores the importance of preventative measures. The Mayo Clinic advises avoiding tick bites to prevent AGS. It suggests wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts in wooded and grassy areas and using insect repellent. It also recommends checking your entire body for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Increased awareness and education among healthcare providers is essential. Surveys indicate that nearly half of healthcare providers are unaware of AGS, and a significant proportion of those who are aware lack confidence in diagnosing and managing the condition.

As climate change continues to alter the habitats of diverse tick species, continued surveillance and adaptive public health responses will be essential to manage the spread of AGS and other tick-borne diseases.

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