Tick Linked To Red Meat Allergy Spreading In Midwest

A tick known for causing an unusual allergy to red meat is spreading across parts of the Midwest, and health officials are keeping a close eye on its movement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been tracking the expansion of the lone star tick, which is now found across the South, Northeast, and increasingly the Midwest, including Indiana and Kentucky.

Why The Lone Star Tick Is Getting Attention

The lone star tick is linked to several illnesses in humans, including alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat and other animal products.

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According to the Cleveland Clinic, bites from this tick can also lead to diseases like ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Bourbon virus disease, Heartland virus disease, and Southern tick-associated rash illness, also known as STARI.

What Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms can vary depending on the illness, but may include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, rash, and digestive issues. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for several days or even up to two weeks after a bite.

In more serious cases, complications can include breathing issues, neurological symptoms, or severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Why These Ticks Are Spreading

The CDC says the growing range of lone star ticks is closely tied to the expansion of white-tailed deer populations.

As deer populations have increased and spread across the eastern United States over the past several decades, lone star ticks have followed, repopulating areas where they once lived.

Read More: Try This Hack To Keep Ticks Off You

How To Protect Yourself

Health experts say the best way to reduce your risk is to avoid tick bites.

That includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing in wooded or grassy areas, and checking your body and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.

If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or time outdoors, it is important to seek medical attention.