Tick bites pose a growing concern, particularly due to the prevalence of the lone star tick linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious allergic reaction to red meat and mammalian products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of AGS have surged, with 90,018 suspected cases reported in the U.S. between 2017 and 2022. The condition is triggered by the bite of the lone star tick, which releases alpha-gal, causing the immune system to react to mammalian foods. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal distress. Prevention is crucial, including avoiding tick bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Healthcare providers need increased awareness and education to better diagnose and treat AGS. As climate change affects tick habitats, continued surveillance and public health measures are vital to control the spread of AGS and other tick-borne diseases.Tick bites pose a growing concern, particularly due to the prevalence of the lone star tick linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious allergic reaction to red meat and mammalian products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of AGS have surged, with 90,018 suspected cases reported in the U.S. between 2017 and 2022. The condition is triggered by the bite of the lone star tick, which releases alpha-gal, causing the immune system to react to mammalian foods. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal distress. Prevention is crucial, including avoiding tick bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Healthcare providers need increased awareness and education to better diagnose and treat AGS. As climate change affects tick habitats, continued surveillance and public health measures are vital to control the spread of AGS and other tick-borne diseases.
As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, concerns about tick bites increase.
There are particular concerns about the lone star tick, which has been linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a severe allergic reaction to red meat and other mammalian products.
AGS has seen a significant increase 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 caused by the bite of the lone star tick. Unlike other allergies, this allergy can cause severe reactions hours after eating red meat or mammalian products such as milk or gelatin-coated medications.
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The CDC has reported that the number of suspected AGS cases 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 in the United States were classified as suspected of having AGS. The number of new suspected cases increased by about 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 releases 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 mammalian foods, such as gelatin 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 other than avoiding red meat. Reactions usually appear three to six hours after exposure.
A person bitten by a lone star tick may experience AGS symptoms, including:
– 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 pain, diarrhea, stomach complaints, vomiting
The Mayo Clinic advises that you seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
– Problems with breathing
– Fast or weak pulse
– Feeling dizzy or light-headed
– Drooling and not being able to swallow
– Redness and warmth over the entire body, also called flushing
What’s next
The rise in AGS cases underscores the importance of preventive measures. The Mayo Clinic advises avoiding tick bites to prevent AGS. It recommends wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts in grassy wooded areas and using insect repellent. It also advises checking your entire body for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Increasing awareness and education among healthcare providers is crucial. Surveys indicate that nearly half of healthcare providers are unfamiliar with AGS, and a significant portion of those who are are not confident in diagnosing and treating the condition.
As climate change continues to alter the habitats of various tick species, continued surveillance and adaptive public health measures are essential to control the spread of AGS and other tick-borne diseases.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
