Tick-Borne Threat in New York: Could You Be at Risk of a Meat Allergy?

According to the New York State Department of Health, the two most common ticks in New York State are the black-legged deer tick and the American dog tick. Now we need to add the invasive Lone Star tick to our list to be aware of.

A bite by the Lone Star tick can transmit a bacterial illness that could cause human reactions ranging from fever, chills, rash, headaches and muscle aches. In some cases bites will cause humans to become allergic to mammal meat!

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We have a variety of plants, fish and insects that are not native to the Empire State but ended up here after hitching a ride with humans, boats, etc. The Lone Star tick is now becoming more and more common in New York State.

You would think the Lone Star tick would have originated from the Lone Star State of Texas but this guy is named for the lone white dot (star) on it's back. The National Institute of Health reports that it is most common in Delaware and the southeastern states.

A bite from the Lone Star tick has been known to cause fatigue, soreness, hives, brain fog and anxiety. In some cases people have experienced Alpha-Gal Syndrome where you become allergic to red meat.

If you see a Lone Star tick on your body, remove it with tweezers by grabbing it closest to the skin. Don't squish the tick and wash your points of contact with soap, water and rubbing alcohol.