Bites from this MS tick could make you allergic to meat. What to know & places to avoid
It’s peak tick season in Mississippi.
Ticks are active year-round in Mississippi, but the spring and summer months are especially crawling with the little blood-suckers.
Commonly found ticks in Mississippi include the Gulf Coast tick, American dog tick, blacklegged ticks and lonestar ticks, all of which can cause major illnesses if bitten.
In fact, tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the U.S. and they pose a bigger threat than mosquitos.
So, which ticks should you really watch out for and which one causes the allergy to red meat?
Here’s what to know:
Which tick causes a meat allergy?
You guessed it: the lonestar tick.
Appearance
The lonestar tick is named after its bright yellowish-white spot in the middle of its back. And although it is tiny, it is “aggressive in its quest for blood meals,” according to the Emory News Center.
“They can sense carbon dioxide from your exhaled breath and the vibrations from your movement in a forest,” said Stephanie Bellman, MD/PhD student in Emory’s School of Medicine. “They climb up onto vegetation and reach out their legs to grab onto you as you pass by.”
Threat
The lonestar tick is associated with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an allergic condition that causes several symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn and an overall allergic reaction to red meat.
If you develop AGS from a lonestar tick bite, the CDC reported that symptoms will appear anywhere from two to six hours after eating red meat.
The CDC also reported that AGS reactions can be different from person-to-person and can be mild, severe or even life-threatening, especially if Anaphylaxis occurs.
However, there is some good news: not everyone has a reaction after AGS exposure.
How can I know if I’ve been bitten by one?
If you are bitten by a lonestar tick, you may have one or more of the following, according to Healthline:
a bull’s-eye rash ranging in size from 6 to 10 centimeters
headache
fever
muscle or joint pain
fatigue
skin ulcer
swollen lymph nodes, usually in the armpits or groin
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a lonestar tick, you should contact your healthcare provider for an examination. Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics for any symptoms you have.
Where is the lonestar tick found in Mississippi?
The lonestar tick is found in southern and eastern U.S., from deep south states like Florida and Georgia, all the way up to Maine.
And with Mississippi’s warm, wet climate, lonestar ticks are active and ready for a snack just about anywhere in the state. In fact, the Mississippi Department of Health reported that the lonestar tick is common in all counties.
Lonestar ticks can be found in wooded, shady parts of the state like trails, roadsides and yards, but they are not commonly seen along the coast.
According to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, just about everyone that steps foot outside is at risk for a tick bite, but more likely hikers, hunters, anglers, backpackers, foresters, farmers and owners of outdoor pets.
So, how can we prevent tick bites? Let’s dig in:
What are some tips to prevent tick bites or tick borne illnesses?
Here are some CDC tips to protect yourself from all tick bites:
Before you go outdoors:
Avoid grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, where ticks may be found.
Walk in the center of trails.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.
After spending time outdoors:
Check your clothing for ticks.
Examine gear and pets.
Shower soon after being outdoors.
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Place to check are: under the arms, in and around the ears, inside belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs and around the waist.
Do you have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published May 24, 2024 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Bites from this MS tick could make you allergic to meat. What to know & places to avoid."
