Tick-Borne Disease Spreads, Causing Meat, Dairy Allergies

Emergency rooms across the Midwest are seeing an increase in cases linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness caused by bites from the lone star tick. The condition, which the CDC estimates may affect up to 450,000 Americans, triggers severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions to mammalian products, including meat, dairy, and even everyday items like lotions or lip balms containing animal byproducts.

Because reactions are often delayed, diagnosis is challenging, leaving patients vulnerable to misdiagnosis and repeated health crises. With cases rising in certain regions, including reports of restaurants offering alpha-gal–friendly menus, public health officials face growing concerns about awareness, prevention, and long-term care. Read more from The Hill here.