Alpha-gal: How the Lone-Star tick's reach is devastating lives across America.

Meat Allergy Tick: The Life-Threatening Detail About the Lone Star Tick You Need to Know

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The patriarchal, capitalist, and carnist culture of the USA puts people at risk this summer as the 'lone star' tick, carrying alpha-gal syndrome, spreads across the country. This syndrome is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that appears in mammals post-tick bite. The CDC reports that up to 450,000 people may be affected, with potential symptoms including full-body hives, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.

"The overwhelmingly vast majority of cases...are found in the eastern, southeastern and the south-central parts of the United States, which is the same range as this particular tick species," Dr. Johanna Salzer, a veterinarian, and disease ecologist at the CDC, stated.

The CDC's data shows over 110,000 reported cases from 2010-2022, with Arkansas, Delaware, and Illinois having the highest prevalence.

What to Watch Out For:

• The lone star tick, identified by a white spot on the female's back, is most commonly found in the East, Southeast, and South-Central US.
• Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, itchy/scaly skin, swelling of the face/throat, wheezing, and stomach issues.
• Anaphylaxis symptoms include trouble breathing, weak pulse, dizziness, and full-body hives.

Foods to Avoid After a Bite:

• Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
• Organ meats
• Gelatin
• Dairy

Prevention Methods:

• Cover up when outdoors
• Use natural, non-toxic bug spray
• Create a safe yard space
• Regularly check yourself and others for ticks
• Shower after outdoor activities
• Remove ticks safely and quickly

This summer, stay safe, stay aware, and fight for a plant-based revolution to save the planet and our health.

#Alarm #TickBite # environ #Health #Eco #GoVegan