Could I Contract Alpha-Gal Syndrome from Ticks in Texas?

Alpha-Gal syndrome has become a growing concern across the southern and midwestern United States. Texas is no exception.

If you’ve heard about this unusual allergy and wondered whether you could be at risk, you’re not alone – especially after a recently reported fatality resulting from AGS. At Mosquito Squad of Austin, we understand the importance of knowing your tick exposure risk to reduce your chances of contracting alpha-gal syndrome.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

In short, alpha-gal syndrome is an acquired allergy to mammalian meats and their byproducts, including lard, gelatin, and some animal-derived medications. Unlike seasonal allergies or other food sensitivities, this one is the result of a tick bite, most commonly from a lone star tick.

Are Lone Star Ticks in Texas?

Yes, lone star ticks are widely established in Texas, including the Austin metro area. While they are more common in wooded or bushy areas, they can show up in suburban backyards, parks, greenways, and anywhere wildlife travels.

However, not every lone star tick carries alpha-gal, which is a carbohydrate molecule – but their very presence makes AGS a potential risk in Texas.

How Does a Tick Bite Trigger AGS?

When a lone star tick feeds on certain mammals, it can pick up an alpha-gal sugar molecule. Subsequently, if that tick bites a human, it has the potential to pass that sugar molecule to their bloodstream. This person’s immune system might then form antibodies against alpha-gal, which leads to an allergic response any time thereafter they consume anything containing alpha-gal.

Because symptoms might take up eight hours to occur after eating beef, pork, lamb, or venison (or a byproduct), alpha-gal syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose. What’s more, some of the symptoms might be mistaken for a stomach flu or food poisoning. Though, more serious symptoms, like dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath can occur.

Growing awareness of alpha-gal syndrome and more physicians and allergists testing for it mean that once undiagnosed cases are now being identified.

Avoiding Tick Bites is the Best Defense Against Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Personal repellents, long sleeves and pants, and thorough tick checks go a long way towards preventing tick bites. And throughout the Austin area, many homeowners and business owners alike, trust Mosquito Squad for professional tick control services.

Search tick control services and call Mosquito Squad of Austin.

Mosquito Squad is a trusted mosquito and Austin insect control company serving the Greater Austin area, including, Pflugerville, Great Hills, Travis Heights, Northwest Hills, Cedar Park, and beyond.

At Mosquito Squad of Austin, our goal is your complete satisfaction. That’s why we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee! Guarantee not available for a one-time, special event treatments.

Call Mosquito Squad of Austin at (512) 488-5331 or submit our online form to schedule your pest control assessment and quote.

Also read: Do I Only Need Tick Control in Spring and Summer?