The first recorded death of Alpha-gal Syndrome caused by a Lone Star Tick has been confirmed to have taken place in September 2024 in New Jersey, according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice.
Alpha-gal Syndrome is a mammalian meat allergy triggered by the transfer of the sugar molecule Alpha Gal from Lone Star Ticks. Since this molecule is foreign to human biomes, the body will create antibodies to fend off the unknown threat, triggering potentially serious side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and body aches, hours after consuming meat.
While symptoms can be severe, resembling food poisoning or a stomach flu, this is the first recorded case of fatality caused by Alpha-gal Syndrome, found in our neighboring state, New Jersey.
As the range of Lone Star Ticks spreads into Eastern Pennsylvania, residents across the state are searching for answers to prevent and avoid Lone Star Ticks and their deadly red meat allergy.
The History and Prevalence of Lone Star Ticks in Pennsylvania
The first recorded U.S. cases of Alpha-gal Syndrome were documented in the early 2000s in the southeastern states, where the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) was most abundant. Scientists quickly traced the allergy back to the Lone Star Tick after patients developed severe reactions to red meat following a tick bite.
For decades, the Lone Star tick’s range remained mostly in the South near the Gulf States, but as temperatures warmed and deer populations expanded, the tick began migrating northward. By the mid-2010s, confirmed populations were appearing in Virginia, Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania.
Today, they have been documented throughout much of the state, especially in counties bordering Maryland and New Jersey, where forest density and wildlife movement support their spread.
Many people underestimate the scale and range of ticks carrying dangerous diseases in Pennsylvania.
According to The Pest Rangers owner, Jeff King, “Ticks are a serious concern that don’t get the attention they deserve when it comes to educating the public about being proactive and vigilant. This year, we’ve experienced a huge uptick in tick-related calls at The Pest Rangers. Some callers reported picking 20-30 ticks from their dogs after just one walk. People need to understand that tick prevention isn’t just a summer issue – it’s a year-round concern that requires constant awareness and proper preventative measures.”
According to one estimate, over 100,000 people have already been infected with the red meat allergy from Alpha-gal Syndrome because of the Lone Star Tick. Close to half a million cases of Lyme Disease are treated each year.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome
Unlike normal symptoms of food poisoning or meat allergies, Alpha-gal Syndrome may not take effect for three to five hours, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of the illness.
Once symptoms begin, they can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Common warning signs include:
- Hives, itching, or swelling of the skin
- Digestive distress, such as stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness, faintness, or a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Respiratory symptoms, including wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention
Because reactions vary from person to person, some may only experience mild symptoms for months before a more serious response occurs.
If symptoms occur repeatedly after eating beef, pork, lamb, or foods cooked in animal fat, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider and request testing for Alpha-gal Syndrome. Early detection can prevent severe reactions and help individuals adjust their diet and lifestyle safely.
How to Identify Lone Star Ticks
Lone Star ticks look different from the black-legged (deer) ticks most Pennsylvanians are familiar with, making them easier to identify. Here are some key features to look for to distinguish Lone Star Ticks from other ticks.
- Adult females have a single white or “lone star” dot on their back — their most recognizable trait.
- Adult males do not have the white spot but show scattered white streaks or flecks around the edge of their shell.
- Nymphs are smaller, light brown, and can still bite and transmit Alpha-gal.
- All life stages are reddish-brown and move faster than deer ticks, often traveling toward humans instead of waiting on vegetation.
If a tick bites you, save the tick and send it in for testing to be sure it does not carry Lyme Disease or Alpha-gal Syndrome.
How to Prevent These Ticks from Entering Your Property
Ticks hide in tall brush and hop from animal to animal to find a host. While you’re more likely to encounter Lone Star Ticks on a hike, they can also come into your backyard if you do not keep up on lawn care.
To prevent ticks from getting near your property, practice these tips:
- Keep your lawn mowed and remove leaf litter, tall grasses, and dense shrubbery where ticks hide.
- Install or maintain a gravel or wood-chip barrier between forests, lawns, and your home to limit tick migration.
- Use professional tick-control yard sprays annually, especially if you live near wooded or overgrown areas.
- Wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, and use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors.
- Regularly inspect pets and apply tick-preventative products — pets often bring ticks into homes.
Tick season in Pennsylvania runs from late April to October, so this is the best time of year to apply a spray.
How to Protect Yourself from Ticks in Nature in Pennsylvania
When you’re out hiking, hunting, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors in Pennsylvania, real-world steps can keep you safe:
- Before heading out, apply a tick repellent containing DEET or wear permethrin-treated clothing.
- Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against tree trunks, tall grasses, or piles of leaves.
- Do a full-body tick check when you return home. Pay special attention to the ankles, waistline, armpits, and hairline.
- Wash outdoor clothing in hot water and tumble dry on high for at least 10 minutes to kill any unattached ticks.
- If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly with tweezers, clean the bite area, and monitor for redness, rash, or symptoms.
These precautions help guard against Lyme Disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other emerging tick-borne threats.
By following these tips to avoid and prevent ticks and understanding how to identify Lone Star Ticks, you can greatly reduce your chances of being bitten.
If you’re worried about ticks and other parasites on your property, contact a professional local inspector to apply a yard spray to keep your family safe and give you peace of mind.
FAQs
Can Lone Star ticks really cause a meat allergy?
Yes. Lone Star tick bites can trigger an immune response to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal, which is found in red meat. This reaction can lead to Alpha-gal Syndrome, a delayed allergy that causes symptoms hours after eating beef, pork, lamb, venison, and sometimes dairy.
How long after a tick bite can Alpha-gal Syndrome develop?
Symptoms may develop weeks or even months after the initial tick bite. Many people don’t connect the two because the reaction is delayed and ticks often go unnoticed.
Are Lone Star ticks common in Pennsylvania?
They are becoming increasingly common. Once limited to the southern U.S., Lone Star ticks have expanded northward due to warmer temperatures, wildlife movement, and changing habitats. They are now established in many parts of Pennsylvania, especially the central and southern regions.
How do I know if a tick on me is a Lone Star tick?
Adult females have a distinct white dot on their back. Males have white flecks along the edge of their shell. They are reddish-brown, rounder than deer ticks, and move quickly.
Can Alpha-gal Syndrome be cured?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed by avoiding red meat and other alpha-gal products. Some individuals improve over time if they avoid additional tick bites.
Do all Lone Star tick bites lead to Alpha-gal Syndrome?
No. Not every bite causes the allergy, but repeated bites increase risk. Reducing tick exposure is the best prevention strategy.
What animals carry Lone Star ticks into neighborhoods?
Deer are the primary carriers, but raccoons, coyotes, and even birds can move ticks from wooded areas into residential neighborhoods.
