Cases of life-threatening allergy spread by ticks are rising in Illinois, expert says
Cases of alpha-gal, a life-threatening allergy spread by ticks, are increasing in Illinois. The allergy, also known as red meat allergy, occurs when a tick bite triggers an immune response to a sugar found in red meat and other animal products. Experts are working to understand the tick-borne enigma, and researchers are conducting studies to learn more about the condition. Alpha-gal cases are being reported across the US, with Illinois seeing a rise in cases.
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- ✓ Ticks are having a banner year with many areas experiencing higher-than-usual tick populations.
- ✓ Alpha-gal is a life-threatening allergy spread by ticks.
- ✓ Cases of alpha-gal are rising in Illinois.
What changed
Illinois has seen a rise in alpha-gal cases, prompting experts to investigate the cause.
Live updates
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Life-threatening allergy from ticks rising in Illinois
Cases of alpha-gal, a life-threatening allergy spread by ticks, are increasing in Illinois. The allergy, also known as red meat allergy, occurs when a tick bite triggers an immune response to a sugar found in red meat and other animal products. Experts are working to understand the tick-borne enigma, and researchers are conducting studies to learn more about the condition. Alpha-gal cases are being reported across the US, with Illinois seeing a rise in cases.
Why it matters
Alpha-gal is a serious health concern, and its connection to tick bites is not yet fully understood. Ticks are having a banner year, with many areas experiencing higher-than-usual tick populations. The condition can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
What is confirmed
- Ticks are having a banner year with many areas experiencing higher-than-usual tick populations.
- Alpha-gal is a life-threatening allergy spread by ticks.
- Cases of alpha-gal are rising in Illinois.
What to watch next
- Results from the first-of-its-kind Alpha-Gal study at a hospital
- Further discussion on alpha-gal and MU Express Care clinics at Health Affairs Committee meetings
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- NBC 5 Chicago — Cases of life-threatening allergy spread by ticks are rising in Illinois, expert says
- The Vineyard Gazette — Hospital Embarks on First-of-Its-Kind Alpha-Gal Study
- Axios — Ticks are having a banner year
- Columbia Missourian — Alpha-gal, MU Express Care clinics discussed at Health Affairs Committee meeting
- CIDRAP — ‘Not like any other allergy’: As alpha-gal cases rise, researchers work to understand the tick-borne enigma
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