Topline
The lone star tick, which is known for its aggressive nature and bites that can cause alpha-gal syndrome, or red meat allergy, as well as other dangerous viruses, is spreading across the United States beyond its usual habitat in the southeast, a study suggests, as climate change exacerbates rising temperatures and longer warm seasons across the country.
Bites from a lone star tick are the primary cause in the U.S. of alpha-gal syndrome
Key Facts
The tick species primarily resides in the southeastern U.S., but a study by scientists at the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Walter Reed suggests that in recent years it has been found in increasingly northern and western locations, as far west as Wyoming and as far north as Maine, and some scientists say that the growth of the lone star tick’s habitat could be due to longer seasons of warm temperature caused by climate change.
Bites from a lone star tick are the primary cause in the U.S. of alpha-gal syndrome, which causes an allergic reaction to a sugar known as alpha-gal found in beef, pork and lamb, among other mammalian meats and dairy products.
While lone star ticks are less likely to cause disease than the blacklegged tick, which is known for its ability to spread Lyme disease, they are more aggressive and more likely to bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Key Background
Tick season in the U.S. primarily occurs during the summer months, and the lone star tick is mostly active between April and August, although tick bites can occur year-round. The bugs are most commonly seen in densely wooded areas like forests or grassy areas, including backyards. In addition to alpha-gal syndrome, lone star tick bites can also cause Heartland virus, which can cause nausea and fever, and tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, which can be fatal if not properly treated. Although lone star tick bites do not always cause illness, the CDC recommends taking precautionary measures against all tick bites by using bug deterrents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and treating clothing with 0.5% permethrin products.
Surprising Fact
The lone star tick is named for the white dot resembling the lone star flag that appears on the backs of the adult female members of the species, and adult females are also the most likely to bite humans, according to the CDC.
Big Number
110,000. That’s how many suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome occurred in the U.S. between 2010 and 2022, according to the CDC, although the agency says that number may be as high as 450,000, because diagnosis of the illness requires clinical exams and diagnostic testing. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the lips and tongue and severe stomach pain and usually appear between two and six hours after consumption of alpha-gal sugar.
