The spread of the red star tick and alpha-gal syndrome, the red meat allergy its bite can cause, has alarmed many Americans. However, experts note that the risk remains low in much of the country, and that there is much that can be done to protect against it and other tick-borne diseases.
Red star ticks, which are native to the south, have been spreading for several decades, and reports of alpha-gal syndrome have increased in recent years. It is one of several tick species that have moved into new regions due to a warming climate, changes in land use and growing deer populations. This year’s tick season, which began in the spring, is in full swing and could extend into fall. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Where am I at risk?
Red star ticks are most common in the South, but have expanded into parts of the Northeast and Midwest, including Long Island and Martha’s Vineyard. Although the risk is widespread in the South, “it should not be assumed that New England is plagued by red star ticks,” said Sam Telford, a professor of infectious diseases and global health at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Southern New Jersey, lower New York state and islands like Martha’s Vineyard are generally the limits where populations have established themselves, said Maria Diuk-Wasser, a professor of ecology, evolution and environmental biology at Columbia University. The species has moved somewhat into Connecticut, but it is unlikely that many will be found further north. In most of the Northeast, Lyme disease caused by blacklegged ticks remains a much greater threat. Red star ticks are found most often in wooded areas, but not exclusively, said Michael Reiskind, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University. Where their populations are large, they can be found “anywhere,” Dr. Telford said: in the woods, in a garden or in a compost pile.
How can I avoid being bitten?
Because there is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, taking steps to prevent bites is important if you live in an area with red star ticks. The same precautions can help protect you against all species of ticks. Long pants and sleeves are the first line of defense. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a solid barrier. A hat can protect the scalp. Insecticides such as DEET or picaridin can help, but the best option is to spray permethrin on clothing, experts said. In much of the country, tick prevention should be routine, said Dr. Bobbi Pritt, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at the Mayo Clinic. “If you’re going out and putting on sunscreen,” she said, “think about tick repellent, too.” Inspect your body after spending time outdoors and remove any ticks with tweezers. Prompt removal prevents many tick-borne diseases and probably reduces the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome.
Do red star ticks behave differently than other ticks?
Red star ticks are particularly aggressive, several experts said. Blacklegged ticks, for example, generally wait for someone to brush against them. But red star ticks seek out people — in part by detecting carbon dioxide, Dr. Diuk-Wasser said — and can move a few meters in pursuit. They are not likely to travel great distances to sting you, Dr. Reiskind said. But if you’re next to a wooded or densely vegetated area, or sitting around a campfire, they might get closer. It is also worth noting that red star ticks—like other species—can lay thousands of eggs this time of year. The larvae, which are tiny brown specks, emerge from the eggs all at once and climb up the nearest surface, like a blade of grass. The unlucky person who disturbs that grass may find their leg covered in hundreds of larvae.
How is alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed?
A blood test can detect antibodies to alpha-gal, but a positive result does not necessarily mean you have alpha-gal syndrome. In places with red star ticks, a large percentage of the population may have these antibodies, but most do not have allergic reactions, Dr. Diuk-Wasser said. The syndrome is diagnosed only if you react to red meat or dairy. Reactions occur hours after eating and may include hives, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. At least one death has been linked to alpha-gal syndrome. Since red star tick bites can also cause bacterial and viral infections, watch for flu-like symptoms as well. If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t need to seek medical attention just because a tick bit you.
