Lone star tick spreads northward, causing concern over meat allergy

A tick known to cause meat and dairy allergies is spreading north, alarming health officials as summer tick activity rises.

Addy Bink reports for The Hill.

In short:

• The lone star tick, once rare in the northeast and Great Lakes, is spreading due to warmer winters and an increased deer population.
• This tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat, with over 110,000 suspected cases in the U.S. from 2010 to 2022.
• Health officials advise preventing tick bites by using repellents and wearing protective clothing outdoors.

Why this matters:

The spread of the lone star tick increases the risk of alpha-gal syndrome, potentially altering diets and lifestyles. As global temperatures rise, regions that were once too cold for the lone star tick are becoming more hospitable. Milder winters and longer warm seasons provide a conducive environment for these ticks to survive and reproduce.