The Tick Bite That Can Make You Allergic to Red Meat Is Spreading

The state of Arkansas is a hotbed for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome. What do scientists believe is behind the spread of this syndrome, and what can you do to reduce your personal risk? Read on.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Cases Exploding Across Some Areas of the U.S.

Tick-borne allergy diagnoses are on the upswing across the Mississippi River basin. Arkansas has been identified as one of the nation's hotspots for alpha-gal syndrome over the last several months. The number of suspected cases in the state has almost doubled over the last year, jumping from 1,331 to 2,833. The northwestern corner of the state has been particularly vulnerable, due to its wooded terrain and outdoor lifestyle.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450,000 Americans have contracted alpha-gal syndrome since 2010. Experts believe that this number is a severe underestimate, as most states only recently began to count cases.

In addition to the Mississippi River basin, the syndrome is also prevalent across the Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard in the Northeast. Climate experts blame the impacts of global warming for the rapid rise in tick-borne illnesses, as well as the growing numbers of white-tailed deer and shifts in land use over the last several years.

The lone star tick carries the alpha-gal molecule in its saliva, spreading it to its hosts when it attaches. While the disease was once simply known as the "red-meat allergy," its proliferation as of late has prompted scientists to try to learn more about its roots and what to do to prevent it.

Up to 75% of the people who test positive for alpha-gal syndrome experience anaphylactic shock at some point in their journey. While the syndrome is not widely fatal, there have been a few deaths connected to its impacts.