Fight against ticks: new allergies and their dangerous consequences

Fight against ticks: new allergies and their dangerous consequences

High voltage in the health scene! On March 22, 2025 during the ORF program "deliberately healthy", the focus will be on the concerning topic of ticks as disease sponsors. These small arachnids, which are active at temperatures above 7 degrees, are not only pests, but also causers of dangerous diseases such as Lyme-Borreliosis and early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). Last year, 158 people in Austria needed hospital treatment for TBE. In the Alpine Republic alone, there are up to 70,000 new cases of Lyme diseases annually, which illustrates the urgency of prevention measures, such as ots reported.

not enough! An alarm sign sends the latest research, which also shows a connection between tick bites and meat allergy, known as Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS). This is a serious allergy to red meat that only manifests itself after eating alpha-gal-containing products. Researchers found that numerous people suddenly react to these foods after a tick bite. The symptoms can lead to a shock from itching to shortness of breath to the worst case. Medizindoc informed that the problem may have to be greater so that affected people may have to do without red meat for a lifetime.

risk factors and diagnostics

In addition, the studies show that Alpha Gal syndrome needs care that most doctors cannot afford because many of the symptoms are unknown to many. A current study by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resulted in alarming numbers: Almost 42 percent of 1,500 doctors surveyed did not know the syndrome, which significantly complicates the diagnosis of the disease. But what to do? The diagnosis is usually done via blood tests, with the specific immunoglobulin e (sige) against the sugar molecule Alpha-Gal. In the worst case, the increased tick population in certain regions can contribute to the spread of the syndrome. In this context, the importance of a rapid diagnosis and suitable treatment strategies becomes clear in order to improve the quality of life of those affected and to avoid life -threatening situations.

The tick season is just around the corner, and the awareness of the dangers that emerge from these small animals should be sharpened. If there is a tick bite, quick action is required! The right information could save lives in this critical period.