Updated
Updated · KY3 · Jun 12
Missouri Bill 2372 Awaits Kehoe Signature to Track Up to 30,000 Alpha-Gal Cases
Updated
Updated · KY3 · Jun 12

Missouri Bill 2372 Awaits Kehoe Signature to Track Up to 30,000 Alpha-Gal Cases

1 articles · Updated · KY3 · Jun 12

Summary

  • House Bill 2372 has reached Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk after passing the legislature, setting up statewide reporting for Alpha-Gal Syndrome if he signs it.
  • Missouri now estimates 7,000 to 30,000 residents may have the tick-borne red-meat allergy, but the state does not track cases, leaving doctors unsure where risk is highest.
  • Under the bill, laboratories would have 7 days to report confirmed cases to the Department of Health and Senior Services, which could use random sampling to verify cases and file annual findings with the CDC.
  • Dr. Benjamin Casterline of MU Health Care said better case data would help researchers identify high-risk patients and guide education, awareness and screening as Lone Star ticks become most active in summer.

Insights

Could Missouri's new disease tracking system become a national model for fighting emerging tick-borne illnesses?
As warmer winters expand the Lone Star tick's range, how will Missouri combat this life-altering red meat allergy?