Share to ClassroomTick Bites Cause Strange Meat Allergy
Hospital visits for tick bites are at a ten-year high. Some bites cause a strange illness. It is called alpha-gal syndrome. After one bite, a person can become very allergic to red meat. Beef, pork and lamb are dangerous for them. Fish and chicken are still safe.
The illness comes from the lone star tick. This tick is spreading fast in the northeastern United States. Scientists say there are more ticks because there are more deer. One deer can feed 1,500 ticks in one season.
Some people get very sick and need a doctor fast. In one town, a restaurant made a menu with no red meat. Doctors tell people to check their body twice every day. Ticks like warm, hidden places on the skin. After going outside, put your clothes in a hot dryer.
