Hedge tree - 5/1/2025 10:50

The lone star tick has been associated with the most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a new type of the 17 or so diseases or afflictions caused by tick bites (CDC numbers). 1st one diagnosed specifically in 2018 or so. The tick has a sugar in its saliva. A bite can cause a response to alpha-gal in the saliva which results in antibodies. Mammals have alpha-gal so if a sensitized person consumes red meat (this syndrome has been called red meat syndrome or something similar) a reaction occurs, often violently with an anaphylactic-type response requiring epi-pen use.

In our small community here in central Kansas I can identify 4 individuals with the syndrome….among them a teen-aged lad and an 82 yo friend. No red meat for sure, some cannot tolerate pork either…leaving fish and chicken. Early symptoms are typical of tick bites such as rash, head ache, etc but progress to heartburn, nausea, diarrhea…GI involvement.

So….you have taken appropriate action and like most tick bites, attachment for >24 hrs is often necessary to transmit tick saliva borne agents and products like alpha-gal. I have started treating jeans, bibs and socks with permethrin aerosol PLUS the usual deep wood’s off on back of neck/hairline and boxer shorts waistband.

===> I have bored you all with this screed but only for your information because you damn sure don’t want alpha-gal syndrome. No more burgers, steaks, hot dogs or ribs!!!