A Bite From The Lone Star Tick Can Make You Allergic To Red Meat!

I think we can all agree that food is life. A large part of enjoying that life (for non-vegetarians) is eating red meat. While we are aware of the adverse effects of eating too much red meat, it’s impossible to deny those cravings for a good steak or a rack of ribs. However, that’s all at risk now! The lone star tick has the power to make even a single bite of steak impossible!

Obviously, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the fact remains that the lone star tick is dangerous! According to the Miami Herald a bite from the lone star tick, common across the eastern half of the United States, can cause severe symptoms to develop after eating mammalian meat such as pork, beef and lamb.

Symptoms include hives, shortness of breath and can lead to an anaphylactic reaction. A bite can even be fatal (I guess I wasn’t exaggerating after all!) according to Ronald Saff, an allergist from Florida.

In addition to this, because of global warming (thanks, Trump, it exists), the lone star tick is spreading across America. Patients may only experience the symptoms hours after consuming meat and be unaware of what causes it.

As if we didn’t need another reason not to go to America (obviously, the first reason being the immigration laws). However, they do say that prevention is better than cure. So, if you’re in the States, or are planning on visiting anytime be sure to wear tons of insect repellant! Better safe than sorry!