Red meat allergy from tick bites on the rise; doubles since 2004

A small tick bite can be all it takes for a person to contract an allergy that makes it nearly impossible to consume red meats. Doctors in the Twin Lakes area and around the state are seeing an increase in patients reporting the condition.

The condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome, has doubled in Arkansas over the last twenty years and those who have develop negative effects to ingesting meat from mammals including hives or itchy rash, swelling of lips, face, or eyelids, stomach pain, cough wheezing or shortness of breath. In a study of 3,000 U.S. military recruits tested for alpha-gal syndrome, 39 percent of those whose home of record was Arkansas were sensitized, proving to be the highest percentage of any state. Oklahoma followed at 35 percent, and Missouri at 29 percent.

Dr. Alison Humphrey from Mountain Home ENT & Allergy clinic reports she has seen an increase in patients showing symptoms. With summer’s heat ending and more locals spending time outside she shares how the disease can be transmitted through the small insects.

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An increased push for reporting around the state is bringing more light to the condition according to Dr. Humphrey.

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While the allergy can improve or disappear over time, steps can be taken early in a diagnosis to lessen the effects of the symptoms.

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Concerned individuals that may be showing symptoms can receive a simple blood test from their primary health care provider. While there is no preventive vaccine for alpha gal syndrome taking preventive steps can help avoid the condition. When outdoors avoid tall brushy grasses where the lone star tick often lays in wait, use appropriate insect repellents and where long clothing when in the woods and always thoroughly check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

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