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Tick Bite Triggers Meat Allergy

The lone star tick bite injects a sugar called alpha-gal into victims, triggering allergic reactions. These reactions can range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening. Alpha-Gal syndrome victims can become allergic to red meat and other mammalian products. Symptoms include hives, itching, nausea, and potentially anaphylaxis. The condition may persist for years, causing long-term dietary restrictions and fearful suffering.

Published July 5, 2024 at 6:01am by Marley Malenfant

Texans: Beware the Lone Star Tick this Summer

What is it?

The "lone star tick" is an aggressive arachnid found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central US. It's distinguished by a white dot or "lone star" on the adult female's back. - CDC

What's the risk?

The tick's bite can cause alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule (alpha-gal) found in red meat and other mammal products. Symptoms include hives, itching, wheezing, and stomach issues, and may appear 3-6 hours after consumption. Up to 450,000 people may be affected, according to the CDC.

Where is it prevalent?

The tick is widely distributed in eastern and southern states, with the highest suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome in Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. - CDC data via USA TODAY

What to eat (and avoid)?

A bite can induce an allergy to red meat, organ meats, and mammalian products like gelatins and dairy. - Mayo Clinic

Prevention?

The Mayo Clinic recommends covering up, using bug spray, landscaping your yard to deter ticks, checking yourself and your kids, and showering after potential exposure. Ticks should be removed quickly.

PETA weighs in:

"In 2024, no one should still be clinging to that dirty old meat-eating habit... anyone ticked off by the way the meat industry treats animals and destroys the environment should go vegan." - PETA to Texas Gov. Abbott