University Health-Kansas City Opens Alpha Gal Hotline as Missouri Tops 34,000 Cases Since 2021
Updated
Updated · Missourinet.com · May 15
University Health-Kansas City Opens Alpha Gal Hotline as Missouri Tops 34,000 Cases Since 2021
2 articles · Updated · Missourinet.com · May 15
University Health-Kansas City has launched a nurse hotline — 1-816-339-TICK — to answer public questions about Alpha Gal Syndrome and steer callers to testing, providers and treatment.
More than 34,000 Missouri cases have been reported since 2021, prompting renewed warnings during tick season as the Lone Star tick remains common across the state.
Alpha Gal Syndrome can trigger allergies to beef, pork and lamb, and sometimes eggs and dairy, with symptoms that can persist for years after a tick bite.
Health providers urged Missourians to check hair, ears, waistbands and behind knees after time in grass or woods, use DEET, wear long sleeves and seek care for severe reactions that may require an epinephrine pen.
Beyond food, this allergy can make medicine deadly. Are hospitals prepared for the hidden danger?
This allergy forces farmers off their land. What happens when food producers become allergic to their own products?
Is the tick-borne red meat allergy a warning of how climate change will permanently alter our health and diets?