The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the lone star tick is a concern, although not because it's causing Lyme disease.
This report from the health agency is aligned with recent reports that an "aggressive type of tick" was detected in Indiana, and it is puzzling scientists, a WishTV report said.
An aggressive type of tick detected in Indiana is puzzling scientists. News 8's @DrMaryGillis says people who receive its bite are developing a strange allergy they've never had before. A @LifeAtPurdue entomologist explains what's known and what isn't. https://t.co/rcvgDpGEjC
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) May 5, 2022
People who get bitten by the parasite develop an unusual allergy they've never experienced in the past. In addition, just one bite from this so-called "critter" can lead to a severe allergy to red meat.
An individual's reaction can be mild or life-threatening by causing anaphylactic shock, and the allergy can last a lifetime.
Caused by a Tick Bite
Dr. Cait Hill, an associate professor of entomology at Purdue University, explained to this new company why this takes place.
This condition is something that's called an alpha-gal syndrome, explained Hill adding that they think it is associated with possibly being bitten by the lone star tick, and the thinking is if one gets bitten by this tick, he might then develop an allergic reaction to allergens associated with red meat.
The bite transmits a sugar molecule known as alpha-gal into a person's body, making them unable to digest foods, including beef, lamb properly, and pork, the professor continued explaining.
Hill also specified that the said syndrome involves a comparatively new field of study. Researchers are still struggling to understand the condition, and while there have been cases of it detected in India, Hill said she wants Hoosiers to know the condition is rare.
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
The CDC describes alpha-gal syndrome or AGS, alpha-gal allergy, tick bite meat allergy, or red meat allergy, as a serious, possibly "life-threatening allergic reaction."
AGS is not a result of an infection. Its symptoms appear after an individual eats red meat or is exposed to other products that have alpha-gal.
The red meat allergy is most frequently caused by a Lone Star tick bite in the US. In some people, this stimulates an immune system reaction that later orchestrates mild to severe allergic reactions to red meat or other mammal products.
Essentially, the Lone Star tick is predominantly found in the southeastern US, and most cases of alpha-gal syndrome take place in this area.
Moreover, Alpha-gal syndrome has been diagnosed in Asia, Australia, and Europe, where other tick types carry alpha-gal molecules.
Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
A Mayo Clinic report said that doctors do not yet know why some people are developing alpha-gal syndrome following exposure, and others don't.
In addition, one is at increased risk if he lives or spends time in the said regions, spends too much time outdoors, has repeatedly been bitten by Lone star ticks, and has a mast cell irregularity like indolent systemic mastocytosis.
In the past two or three decades, the Lone Star tick has been discovered in large numbers as far north as Maine and as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma in the US.
The best way to prevent AGS is to avoid going to areas where ticks exist, particularly bushy, wooded areas with long grass.
An individual can lessen his risk of getting alpha-gal syndrome with simple precautions. Two of these precautions include covering up by wearing long pants tucked into the socks and shoes and using insect repellants with 20 percent or higher DEET concentration on the skin.
Related information about tick bites triggering dangerous meat allergies is shown on MU Health's YouTube video below:
Read also: Powassan Virus Detected 2 Cases in Connecticut: POWV Symptoms and How to Prevent Tick-Borne Virus
Check out more news and information on Ticks on Science Times.
