Love red meat? Avoid this tick!

TICKcaptureThis morning I was watching the network morning shows and came across a story about a new food allergy caused by just a single tick bite.

 

Some might call the lone star tick a tiny terror; it’s being blamed for triggering hundreds of red meat allergy cases across the country.

cdcmap

Courtesy: CDC

Right away, I checked with the Centers for Disease Control and found lone star ticks are in parts of Maine.

Doctors say they started noticing problems a few years ago when people who’d enjoyed red meat their whole lives went into anaphylactic shock after eating a steak or burger.

Unlike allergic reactions to other foods, these red meat reactions can happen up to 8 hours after the meat is eaten.

Some suggestions from the CDC to prevent tick bites:

  • Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter
  • Walk in the center trails
  • Repel ticks with DEET
  • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors

Ticks are most active April through September, according to the CDC. Doctors say it’s too soon to know if this new food allergy is permanent.   

Jon Chrisos

About Jon Chrisos

Award-winning journalist Jon Chrisos is the investigative and consumer reporter at CBS 13 in Portland. He also anchors weeknights at 5:30. Chrisos is “On Your Side” investigating the stories that make a difference in your life. He’s passionate about helping those who’ve been wronged, exposing government waste, asking tough questions, and uncovering the truth.