The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Americans about an “emerging public health concern” caused by certain ticks that impact red meats. It’s called Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
Two studies found this problem is on the rise and it’s potentially life-threatening.
There have been about 110,000 cases of AGS officially identified in recent years. The actual number of AGS cases may be higher. (Trending: Trump Releases ‘Ad of the Year’)
The CDC is warning about a potentially life-threatening red meat allergy caused by tick bites. According to a report, 450,000 people may have contracted the disease known as alpha-gal syndrome. pic.twitter.com/QYB1PfNn4t
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 27, 2023
The CDC estimates the real number of cases may be 450,000.
“The syndrome is caused by the lone star tick, which can transfer alpha-gal into an individual’s body,” the report found.
“As a result, the body can develop an immune system response to the sugar whenever one consumes it.”
The lone star tick, or Amblyomma americanum, is found in the U.S. and has a single spot on its back, earning the nickname “lone star.”
“The number of suspected AGS cases in the United States has increased substantially since 2010, and states with established populations of lone star ticks are most affected, although suspected AGS cases were also identified in areas outside of this tick’s range,” the CDC said. (Trending: FBI Caught Lying For Hunter Biden)
“The burden of alpha-gal syndrome in the United States could be substantial given the large percentage of cases suspected to be going undiagnosed due to non-specific and inconsistent symptoms, challenges seeking healthcare, and lack of clinician awareness,” Dr. Johanna Salzer, an author with two CDC studies, said in a statement.
Allergy to red meat caused by tick spit is becoming more common: CDC https://t.co/C8z9L5Vtoh pic.twitter.com/sqji6hd2lb
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) July 28, 2023
“It’s important that people who think they may suffer from AGS see their healthcare provider or an allergist, provide a detailed history of symptoms, get a physical examination, and a blood test that looks for specific antibodies (proteins made by your immune system) to alpha-gal,” Salzer added.
