CDC warns of new tick-borne illness causing severe meat allergy.
A Little-Known Illness Caused by Tick Bites
Did you know that a tick bite can give you a serious allergy to red meat? According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 110,000 people were affected by this little-known illness between 2010 and 2022.
The Alpha-Gal Syndrome
This illness, known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), is caused by the bite of a Lone Star tick. These ticks are mostly found in the South, as well as many Eastern and Midwest states. AGS can lead to severe allergic reactions to red meat, including pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison, and even mammal products like milk.
Dr. Ann Carpenter, an epidemiologist and lead author of one of the papers released by the CDC, emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention. She states, “Alpha-gal syndrome is an important emerging public health problem, with potentially severe health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients. It’s critical for clinicians to be aware of AGS so they can properly evaluate, diagnose, and manage their patients and also educate them on tick-bite prevention to protect patients from developing this allergic condition.”
Unfamiliarity Among Healthcare Providers
Unfortunately, many doctors and healthcare providers are still unfamiliar with AGS. The CDC warns that the allergic reactions caused by the tick bite can be potentially life-threatening. In fact, a study conducted among healthcare professionals found that nearly half of them had never heard of AGS, and around one-third of respondents lacked confidence in their ability to diagnose or manage patients with AGS.
Dr. Johanna Salzer, who authored both papers on AGS released by the CDC, highlights the burden of this syndrome. She says, “The burden of alpha-gal syndrome in the United States could be substantial given the large percentage of cases suspected to be going undiagnosed due to non-specific and inconsistent symptoms, challenges seeking healthcare, and lack of clinician awareness.”
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Living with AGS
The Daily Wire reported last year on the challenges faced by people with AGS. Eating out at a restaurant becomes a struggle, as even a veggie burger prepared on the same grill with meat patties can cause a reaction. Breathing in fumes from red meat can also trigger symptoms.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of AGS include hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, dizziness or faintness, or severe stomach pain. Currently, there is no known cure for AGS. The CDC emphasizes that preventing tick bites is the most important action one can take to reduce the chances of developing AGS.
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