Massachusetts health officials are increasing efforts to understand and fight back against the lone star tick, which is known to spread a disease linked to causing meat allergies and whose population has been expanding in the region.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein recently made it a requirement for all health care providers and laboratories in the state to report all cases of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), an allergy to red meat that is often caused by a tick bite. The requirement took effect April 1 and is for at least one year. Goldstein also said the Department of Public Health will conduct surveillance activities necessary for the investigation, monitoring, control, and prevention of AGS.
AGS can cause, among other symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, anaphylaxis, shortness of breath and hypotension.
Goldstein said cases of AGS are on the rise in Massachusetts, coinciding with the spread of lone star tick populations in the region.
Connecticut has also been struggling with an increase in that state’s lone star tick population. A study last year found that the lone star tick and longhorned tick were in twice as many Connecticut counties in 2024 than they were in previous years.
Officials have described the spread of the lone star tick as a “game-changer” because of its hungry and aggressive nature.
Researchers say unlike the deer tick, the lone star tick can sense the presence of a host, has great vision and will actively follow its target. They are also three times as fast as a deer tick.
Veterinarians have warned that the lone star tick poses a big threat to pets because they tend to attack animals in swarms and they carry diseases that can be deadly to pets.
According to a report on Boston.com, AGS is unusual among food allergies because of its timing. While people with allergies to peanuts or shellfish often have a reaction within minutes, those with AGS may not experience a reaction to meat for four or six hours. That may be because of how alpha-gal binds to fats, taking longer to absorb.
However, that time lag means the allergic reaction often hits at night, and people wake up experiencing severe diarrhea and have a swollen face and hands.
