The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
Ticks have been causing diseases for centuries, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. However, this year is particularly concerning as the number of tick bites is soaring. Emergency room visits for bites are the highest in nearly a decade, and ticks are spreading into new parts of the country. A new and alarming condition called Alpha-gal syndrome has emerged, which can cause violent allergies to meat after a single tick bite.
Adriana Stimola, a resident of Martha's Vineyard, experienced Alpha-gal syndrome after having a burger. Her symptoms included a rash, swelling, and gastric distress. Other symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome can include anaphylactic shock, allergic reactions to dairy products, and even reactions to items containing animal products. This syndrome can have a significant impact on people's lives, making it difficult to enjoy simple activities like dining with friends or family.
The Alpha-gal syndrome was discovered in the mid-to-late 2000s and has now become an epidemic in Martha's Vineyard. Sam Telford, a professor of infectious disease and global health at Tufts University, explains that this syndrome is not a new threat to the country, as many people in the South and Midwest have been suffering from it for years. The recent rise in awareness is due to the presence of Alpha-gal syndrome in popular vacation spots like the Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard.
Ticks come in three sizes: larvae, nymphs, and adults. The larvae are the most dangerous, as they are ready to explode onto any passing disturbance, such as a leaf. The Lone Star tick, which carries the Alpha-gal molecule, is surging, particularly in the Northeast. Tom Mather, a professor of public health entomology at the University of Rhode Island, recommends using Permethrin-treated socks to repel or kill ticks.
Deer are the primary breeding ground for both Lone Star ticks and deer ticks. The large deer population in the area contributes significantly to the tick problem. Aubrey Stimola-Ryan, who treats tick bite patients, explains that one deer can feed 1,500 ticks per season, and one tick can lay 2,000 eggs. Reducing the deer population can help control the tick population and consequently reduce the spread of Alpha-gal syndrome.
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