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Do you live near the lone-star tick? Map shows where most alpha-gal cases occur

July 15, 2024

Lonestar tick photo-female and male — Lone Star tick: Adult female, adult male, nymph. Photo credit: James Occi, PhD. Rutgers University

The Topeka Capital-Journal (7.3.2024) published the article, “Do you live near the lone-star tick? Map shows where most alpha-gal cases occur.” The article discusses the prevalence and risks of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) caused by bites from the lone star tick. AGS is a severe allergic reaction to red meat and other mammal products, triggered by the tick’s saliva. The lone star tick is primarily found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central parts of the United States. The tick is identifiable by a white spot, or “lone star” on the female’s back.

Between 2010 and 2022, over 110,000 AGS cases were reported, with the CDC estimating up to 450,000 unreported cases. An overwhelming majority of these cases were found in the range of the lone star tick. Although, Dr. Johanna Salzer, veterinarian and disease ecologists at the CDC states, “In our previous report last July, we found there were a small number of people that (have tested) positive outside this geographic range, but without further investigation of individual cases it is unclear why.” The 13 states with the highest incidence from 2017 to 2022 are Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Alpha-gal has potentially severe health impacts, some that can last a lifetime for some patients. Symptoms of AGS include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues. Severe reactions can involve trouble breathing, a rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, and full-body redness. The Mayo Clinic lists several foods that have the potential to cause an alpha-gal allergy reaction, including red meat, beef, pork, lamb, organ meats, products made from mammals, gelatins, and dairy products.

With rising temperatures and increasing outdoor activities, individuals must be aware of the risks of tick bites and the prevention measures they can take. The Mayo Clinic suggests covering up with protective clothing, using bug spray, tick-proofing yards, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, showering promptly after being outdoors, and removing ticks quickly once discovered.

For More Information:

Read The Topeka Capital-Journal Article and see the Map here.