This Virginia Tick Could Make You Allergic To Red Meat

VIRGINIA — As Virginia residents head outdoors for warm-weather activities, public health experts are urging them to keep an eye out for a tick whose bite could cause them to develop a unique allergy — one that would certainly ruin their Fourth of July barbecue plans.

In recent years, the lone star tick, which originated in southern states, has grown in range and numbers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Large numbers of lone star ticks have been recorded as far north as Maine and as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma.

Thanks to warming temperatures throughout the seasons, the lone star tick is able to survive much easier in other states.

The lone star tick is growing more prevalent in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. If bitten by a lone star tick, a person won't have to worry about Lyme disease.

Instead, they could develop a lifelong allergic reaction to red meat.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, lone star ticks have a substance in their saliva called alpha-gal, which is also found in all red meats. Since humans don't have alpha-gal in their bodies, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance and develops antibodies in response, the Washington Post reported.

This means the next time the person eats red meat, there is a small chance their body could have a violent allergic reaction called alpha-gal syndrome.

Allergic reactions range from mild to severe, health officials said. Symptoms often show up hours after consuming the meat.

In addition to alpha-gal syndrome, lone star ticks can cause ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness, which can sometimes be accompanied by fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle pains

A female lone star tick is identifiable by the single white spot on its back. Males, however, don't have the spot, which makes them harder to identify.

A lone star tick will also feed on humans during all three life stages, according to the CDC. They will also readily feed on animals like dogs and cats.

According to the CDC, ticks are generally found near the ground, in brushy or wooded areas. They can’t jump or fly. Instead, they climb tall grasses or shrubs and wait for a potential host to brush against them. When this happens, they climb onto the host and seek a place to attach.

To prevent ticks:

• Use insect repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents.
• Treat dogs and cats for ticks as recommended by a veterinarian.
• Check for ticks daily, especially under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.

The CDC also offers guidance on how to safely remove a tick.