Tag

Meat Allergy

All articles tagged with #meat allergy

health1 year ago

"Beware the Lone Star Tick: Meat Allergy Risk on the Rise"

Several U.S. states have issued warnings about the lone star tick, which can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a serious meat allergy, if it bites humans. The CDC reported over 100,000 suspected cases from 2010 to 2022. States like Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Connecticut are among those alerting residents to the risks, especially as the prevalence of these ticks increases in the summer months.

health1 year ago

Tick-Borne Allergy Epidemic: Neman's Story and New Disease Threats

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to a carbohydrate molecule found in lower mammals, causing reactions to meat, dairy, and gelatin. Tick bites are believed to play a role in the development of this allergy, which is more common in areas with tick habitats. While avoiding tick bites is the best prevention, the allergy may fade over time if further bites are avoided. Patients may still be able to consume dairy and certain medications, but dining out can be challenging due to lack of awareness and accommodation in restaurants.

health2 years ago

"Virginia Faces Growing Health Crisis: Department of Health and CDC Sound Alarm"

Health officials in Virginia have issued a warning about the rise of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially life-threatening meat allergy contracted through tick bites. AGS primarily causes hives, upset stomach, diarrhea, and a drop in blood pressure, and can even lead to death. The syndrome is spread by the lone star tick, which is prevalent in Virginia. Tick bites transmit a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body, triggering an immune response that can result in allergic reactions to certain types of meats and mammal products. Currently, there is no treatment or cure for AGS. Health officials recommend taking precautions to avoid tick bites, such as wearing light-colored clothing and using repellents.

health2 years ago

Tick Bites: A Growing Threat to Red Meat Lovers, CDC Warns

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly half a million people in the US may have been affected by alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergic condition caused by a tick bite. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to a sugar called alpha-gal found in red meat and other products. The CDC reports that between 2010 and 2022, there were over 110,000 suspected cases identified, but the actual number of cases could be much higher due to underdiagnosis. The syndrome is primarily associated with the bite of a lone star tick, and symptoms can range from hives and rash to severe stomach pain. The CDC emphasizes the importance of tick bite prevention and raising awareness among healthcare providers to properly diagnose and manage patients with alpha-gal syndrome.

health2 years ago

Tick Bites in RI Linked to Rising Cases of Meat Allergy, CDC Reports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released two studies revealing that the number of people in Rhode Island with a meat allergy triggered by tick bites is likely higher than official numbers suggest. The studies estimate that as many as 110,000 Americans developed an allergy to red meat between 2010-2022 due to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), but the true number may be closer to 450,000. The number of people testing positive for alpha-gal antibodies rose from about 13,000 in 2017 to 19,000 in 2022. The expansion of lone star ticks and lack of awareness among healthcare workers contribute to the increasing cases. Symptoms of AGS include hives, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and severe allergic reactions. The CDC urges those who suspect they may be infected to seek medical attention and emphasizes the importance of tick bite prevention.

health2 years ago

Tick-Borne Meat Allergy: Rising Cases and Climate Change Connection

The lone star tick, named for the female's distinctive white dot on its back, can spread sugar alpha-gal via its spit, triggering alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in sufferers. AGS causes severe allergic reactions to red meat, including hives, nausea, heartburn, and difficulty breathing. New research estimates that the number of AGS sufferers in the US may be as high as 450,000 people. While AGS is manageable by avoiding red meat, it can be life-threatening if a severe allergic reaction occurs. The CDC's reports also revealed a rise in tick-borne illnesses, highlighting the importance of tick bite prevention.

health2 years ago

Tick Bites: From Meat Allergy to Bacon Triggers

Tick bites can trigger a potentially fatal allergy to meat, causing symptoms such as itching and breathing difficulties. The allergy, known as Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), is relatively rare but anecdotal reports suggest it may be on the rise. NHS Highland in Scotland is planning to conduct research to better understand the number of people affected by this allergy. Ticks are also responsible for transmitting Lyme disease.

health2 years ago

Tick-borne Meat Allergy on the Rise in New Jersey

A New Jersey man has developed an allergy to red meat after being bitten by an invasive species of tick. Craig Smith, 62, suffers from Alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy that triggers an immune reaction to a sugar molecule found in meat. The lone star tick, which carries the Alpha-gal sugar molecule, is an invasive species of bloodsucker that actively pursues its prey. Smith's unfortunate saga began last year after he woke up in the middle of the night with painful rashes all over his body. There is currently no cure for the disease, which was only discovered over the past two decades.