Health
Lone Star Ticks Carry a Surprising Allergy Risk in Food
Health Points
- Lone star ticks are most active from April through mid-September in wooded areas with dense undergrowth.
- The alpha-gal allergy causes the immune system to react to a sugar found in beef, pork, and lamb.
- If bitten, use fine-tipped tweezers to pull the tick straight out without twisting to ensure the mouthparts are removed.
Historically found in the Southeast, the lone star tick has expanded its territory across the Southern states and up to Maine.
These fast-moving arachnids are easily identified by the single white spot on the back of adult females.
While these ticks do not carry Lyme disease, they are linked to several serious conditions including Heartland virus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Most notably, their bite can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a unique allergy to red meat and dairy products.
Prevent bites by wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks when walking through tall grass or brush.
Showering within two hours of returning indoors significantly reduces the risk of tick-borne illnesses.
