Did you know that tick encounters have been steadily increasing in Missouri?
As the world’s climate changes, we can expect to see an increase in the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas and lice coming into contact with humans. The number of reported tick encounters has been steadily increasing in Missouri over the last two decades, and the discovery of new diseases that present similarly to other tick-borne diseases has continued to grow.
Most recently, alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) has been on the rise in the United States. AGS is a food allergy that affects some people after they’ve been bitten by the lone star tick. Weeks or months after the bite, the person may have a bad experience after eating red meat like beef, pork, or lamb, and sometimes dairy and byproducts like gelatin.
Symptoms are different for different people, but typically include stomach pain, hives, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. AGS has no known cure, so finding out early or preventing the allergy is important. Contact your healthcare provider for information on testing for AGS.
Preventing tick bites
How can AGS be contained effectively? Stopping tick bites before they happen is the most effective way. People with AGS should also avoid being bitten again, as repeated bites can make the allergy worse.
Although most tick bites happen between April and September, bites can occur year-round. To avoid ticks:
- While hiking, walk in the center of trails. Stay away from grassy, brushy and wooded areas whenever possible.
- Wear light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks more easily.
- Tuck your pant legs into your socks or tape them.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents on exposed skin, such as those with DEET or picaridin.
- Treat clothing and gear with products having 0.5% permethrin or buy pre-treated items.
Removing ticks
After being outside, check your clothes, gear, and pets for ticks. Look in and around your hair and ears, under your arms, inside your belly button, around your waist, between your legs, and behind your knees.
Take a shower and change clothes as soon as you can. If you can’t do a load of laundry immediately, dry your clothes on high heat for at least ten minutes. This will kill any ticks that might still be on them.
Remove any attached ticks with tweezers right away. Grab the tick close to where it meets your skin, pull it out straight, and dispose of it immediately. Wash your hands and the bitten area thoroughly.
Shopping and cooking with AGS
Alpha-gal sensitivity varies from person to person, so it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider for individualized recommendations on which foods and products you should avoid. Common ingredients to watch out for include beef, pork, bacon, carrageenan, gelatin, butter, lard, and milk. Instead, look for safe food substitutions and start with small portions to test them out. You may find that you need to avoid cross-contact while using shared surfaces like pans, cooking utensils, and cutting boards.
Avoiding red meat and dairy is the best way for people with AGS to stay safe, but it also means missing key nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and protein. It is important to find alternative sources for these nutrients (ex. leafy greens, beans, and eggs), so that your body continues to receive energy, repair muscles, and build strong bones. Considering vitamins or supplements? Talk to your healthcare provider first.
Other tick-borne illnesses
AGS is not the only illness caused by tick bite. The Heartland virus was discovered in northeast Missouri in 2017. Diseases like Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia and Lyme disease have also been recorded in the state. Some of these diseases can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic, which is why tick education is important. Learn more about other tick-borne diseases.
Tick bite prevention is an essential part of outdoor activities all year long. If you notice a tick bite, remove the tick right away and watch for symptoms of AGS or other tick-borne illnesses. In addition to downloadable AGS resources, people with AGS can find support and more information by talking to your healthcare provider.
Information sourced from the University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services.
