Health experts warn that cases are spreading at an alarming rate to new areas across the United States.
WASHINGTON — Health experts warn that a tick-borne disease that can cause people to develop potentially life-threatening allergies to red meat is on the rise, and cases are spreading to new areas across the United States at an alarming rate.
It’s called alpha-galactose syndrome and is caused by sugar molecules obtained from tick bites.
Several species of ticks carry the virus that causes alpha-gal syndrome, but it is most commonly found in the lone star tick in the United States
Lone star ticks are considered very aggressive. Adult females have a characteristic white spot, or “lone star” on their back.
Allergies themselves are unpredictable. Not everyone bitten by an infected tick develops alpha-gal syndrome. Some people with the disease may never develop symptoms. Others may develop allergies so severe that they have life-threatening allergic reactions to red meat or dairy products.
this Most cases originate from In the southern, eastern, and central regions of the United States, this is where most lone star ticks are most common. But these ticks are on the move, spreading north and west.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced new actions to help combat alpha-galactose syndrome and other tick-borne diseases.
When the initiative was announced in late May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that about 500,000 Americans had the disease, although they said new evidence suggests the true number “is likely much higher.”
Wildlife biologist Will Miller said one reason the number of cases may be higher is an expanded definition of the disease.
“The CDC has expanded the case definition to include some additional signs and symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome, which, along with any of these expansions, will increase the number of people who are diagnosed,” Miller said. Michigan TV 13 is here for you.
He added that alpha-galactose syndrome has historically been associated with delayed allergic reactions since its emergence as a relatively new tick-borne disease.
Migration of the lone star tick is also expected to lead to more cases.
Oklahoma governor signs new law In May, alpha-gal syndrome was added to the state’s list of reportable illnesses.
The bill requires health care providers and laboratories to report suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome to better track cases and support research efforts.
Alpha galactose syndrome is discovered for the first time 2007 in the United States. first recorded death The time of onset was 2024, when he was a 47-year-old pilot.
