Health
Rising Cases of Tick-Induced Meat Allergy in California
Investigating the Geographic Distribution and Impact on Health
The alarming increase in tick-induced meat allergies in California has become a significant concern. Alpha-gal syndrome, alternatively known as red meat or alpha-gal allergy, is a severe allergic disorder potentially hazardous to one’s existence. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people in the United States have acquired this allergy following a tick bite.
With the increase in tick bites and subsequent allergic reactions to red meat, it has become evident that the Lone Star tick, a prevalent tick in some areas of California, is responsible for inducing alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy. This tick injects alpha-gal, a carbohydrate, into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response in some individuals, producing antibodies against alpha-gal, and ultimately causing an allergic reaction. The recent tick population surge in California can be attributed to climate change and warmer temperatures. Thus, red meat allergies have been on the rise. In the state, tick-induced meat allergies have become increasingly common, thanks to the thriving conditions for ticks. As a result, these allergies have seen an upward trend.
The increase in cases has shed light on how tick-induced meat allergies can significantly impact an individual’s health.
Red meat allergies, which were once thought to be uncommon, have now become more prominent due to these tick-induced allergies. The symptoms of this condition can vary in intensity and may include swelling, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, and in rare instances, anaphylaxis. It is worth noting that tick-induced meat allergies can also significantly disrupt an individual’s overall quality of life. The restrictions caused by tick-induced meat allergies can result in individuals needing to be cautious of cross-contamination and refrain from consuming certain foods. These dietary limitations can impact their social interactions and psychological state, causing isolation and frustration.
Meat allergies caused by ticks are not spread equally across California. The incidence of these allergies varies by region, with some areas experiencing more of these reactions. The fluctuation can be attributed to certain tick species, such as the Lone Star tick, known for causing alpha-gal syndrome. Researchers have observed a rise in tick-induced allergies, including mammalian meat allergy, in regions with abundant tick populations. Studies indicate a particular area in California where tick-induced meat allergies are more prevalent. Thought to be influenced by geographical habitats, the presence and distribution of these allergies span the midwestern, mid-coastal, and southern areas.
References
- Alpha-gal Syndrome | Ticks. (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.html
- A red meat allergy caused by ticks is rising in the U.S. …. (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from www.cbc.ca
- Red meat allergy in children and adults — PMC. (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6488443
- The effects of food allergy on quality of life. (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26022884/
- Tick-induced allergies: mammalian meat. (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4313755/
- Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome (n.d.) Retrieved July 29, 2023, from www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7230a2.htm
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
