Ticks

Allergic reactions from alpha-gal syndrome can be dangerous to one’s physical health — even deadly. But what impact does the condition have on someone’s mental health?

An increasing number of alpha-gal syndrome cases in Missouri means more people are looking for a mammal-free way to dine out.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 450,000 people in the US have alpha-gal syndrome — a tickborne allergy to red meat — while many others have never heard of the condition at all.

A new invasive tick species was recently found in St. Louis County, with more sightings expected this spring and summer.

The county has set up collection boxes for ticks at three parks: Lone Elk, Greensfelder and West Tyson.

You may have heard the ticks are bad this year due to the mild winter or ticks are getting worse in Missouri, but what’s the reality of these claims?

The most common tick-borne illnesses in Missouri are Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The longhorned tick has only been in Missouri for a couple of years, but it is already spreading across the state and can carry a disease that can infect cattle. There are currently no known treatments or vaccines for the disease, and it could cost ranchers a lot of money.

More patients are reporting they're suffering from alpha gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat that's correlated with tick bites. Tick-related illnesses are on the rise nationwide as summers become hotter, wetter and more tick-friendly.

Several deadly tick-borne viruses have emerged in the Midwest in recent years, including the Heartland virus, first discovered in Missouri. Scientists say there are likely more that have gone undiagnosed.