Health
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Tick-Borne Illnesses Surge: Alpha-Gal, Powassan Threaten
## Tick-Borne Illnesses Surge: Alpha-Gal and Powassan Pose Growing Threats
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, with two conditions—alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and Powassan virus—emerging as significant public health concerns. Cases are increasing, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventative measures.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy, is gaining recognition as a potentially widespread tick-borne illness. Initially linked to the lone star tick, recent research published in *Emerging Infectious Diseases* indicates that western blacklegged ticks (*Ixodes pacificus*) and blacklegged ticks (*Ixodes scapularis*) may also transmit the allergy. One case involved a Washington resident bitten by a tick outside the lone star tick's known range, developing symptoms including hives and, in a later instance, anaphylaxis after consuming red meat. Another case in Maine showed gastrointestinal symptoms following a blacklegged tick bite and red meat consumption. Symptoms can vary widely and often have a delayed onset, making diagnosis challenging. The CDC estimates that between 110,000 and 450,000 Americans may have been affected between 2010 and 2022, but underreporting is likely due to limited provider awareness and diagnostic testing. While there's no cure, some individuals may eventually tolerate red meat again.
Adding to the concern is the Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness considered by Minnesota health officials to be the most serious of their tick-borne diseases. Spread primarily by blacklegged ticks, the virus has no vaccine or cure and can cause severe illness, including neurological issues, meningitis, encephalitis, and even death. Minnesota saw 14 confirmed cases in 2023, marking an increase in recent years. Symptoms appear one to four weeks after a bite and can range from mild to severe. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Testing for Powassan virus is less readily available than for other tick-borne diseases, partly due to its rarity.
The rise in these tick-borne illnesses necessitates proactive measures. Experts emphasize avoiding tick bites by staying on marked trails, wearing protective clothing, using EPA-registered insect repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil) and permethrin-treated clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Prompt tick removal is crucial, even if the tick was only attached briefly. Maintaining lawns and reducing brush around homes can also help limit tick populations. Increased public and healthcare provider awareness is vital to improve early diagnosis and treatment for both AGS and Powassan virus. The expanding geographic range of various tick species underscores the importance of nationwide preventative efforts.
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, with two conditions—alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and Powassan virus—emerging as significant public health concerns. Cases are increasing, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventative measures.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy, is gaining recognition as a potentially widespread tick-borne illness. Initially linked to the lone star tick, recent research published in *Emerging Infectious Diseases* indicates that western blacklegged ticks (*Ixodes pacificus*) and blacklegged ticks (*Ixodes scapularis*) may also transmit the allergy. One case involved a Washington resident bitten by a tick outside the lone star tick's known range, developing symptoms including hives and, in a later instance, anaphylaxis after consuming red meat. Another case in Maine showed gastrointestinal symptoms following a blacklegged tick bite and red meat consumption. Symptoms can vary widely and often have a delayed onset, making diagnosis challenging. The CDC estimates that between 110,000 and 450,000 Americans may have been affected between 2010 and 2022, but underreporting is likely due to limited provider awareness and diagnostic testing. While there's no cure, some individuals may eventually tolerate red meat again.
Adding to the concern is the Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness considered by Minnesota health officials to be the most serious of their tick-borne diseases. Spread primarily by blacklegged ticks, the virus has no vaccine or cure and can cause severe illness, including neurological issues, meningitis, encephalitis, and even death. Minnesota saw 14 confirmed cases in 2023, marking an increase in recent years. Symptoms appear one to four weeks after a bite and can range from mild to severe. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Testing for Powassan virus is less readily available than for other tick-borne diseases, partly due to its rarity.
The rise in these tick-borne illnesses necessitates proactive measures. Experts emphasize avoiding tick bites by staying on marked trails, wearing protective clothing, using EPA-registered insect repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil) and permethrin-treated clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Prompt tick removal is crucial, even if the tick was only attached briefly. Maintaining lawns and reducing brush around homes can also help limit tick populations. Increased public and healthcare provider awareness is vital to improve early diagnosis and treatment for both AGS and Powassan virus. The expanding geographic range of various tick species underscores the importance of nationwide preventative efforts.
