Tick-Borne Illnesses Growing, Bringing New Disease Threats, Say Experts

Newswise — Two West Virginia University experts warn that ticks are more prevalent than ever, and as encounters with humans increase, so do risks for contracting diseases like Lyme and alpha-gal syndrome.

According to Timothy Driscoll, associate professor of biology at the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and Matt Lokant, assistant professor at the WVU School of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, factors like warmer winters mean people are more frequently exposed to ticks.

Those encounters are leading to new illnesses — including alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergic reactions — and prevention is the first line of defense.

Quotes:

“We’re seeing more diverse species of ticks, more often. Tick ranges are expanding with changing climate, and milder winters mean more ticks survive through the season. Warmer, wetter conditions also let ticks stay active longer and thrive in greater numbers. Even flooding can play a role by pushing tick-carrying animals into human areas.

“Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in West Virginia, and cases are rising rapidly. It’s spread by the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, which feeds on everything from mice to deer — and sometimes our pets. There’s no human vaccine yet, but several are in development. Our lab has been part of an NIH-funded project since 2020 to explore new vaccine targets.

“We’re seeing more infections beyond Lyme, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Though case numbers are still low, the increases are concerning. All the ticks that carry these diseases are present in West Virginia, meaning residents face multiple potential risks. Awareness is key to avoiding infection — wear appropriate clothing and check for ticks on people and pets. If you find a tick attached, remove it, save it in a sealed bag and contact a health care provider.” — Timothy Driscoll, associate professor, biology, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

“Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction that is triggered from tick bites, usually the lone star tick. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals but not humans. After a tick bite, alpha-gal can be introduced and subsequent exposures to red meat can cause food allergy symptoms. Mild to severe signs typically appear two to six hours after ingestion and can range from hives, itching and rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

“Those who do not eat red meat can still develop AGS symptoms if exposed to other mammal-derived products like dairy and gelatin. If diagnosed with AGS, you should talk with your health care provider regarding certain vaccines and medications. Unlike Lyme disease, which can be associated with a classic bull’s-eye rash, alpha-gal syndrome does not have a classically associated rash.

“There is currently no cure for AGS. To manage it, you should carefully read food and medication labels and avoid red meat and mammal-derived products. If there are any signs of a serious reaction, like anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical care. — Matt Lokant, assistant professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, WVU School of Medicine