Illinois Parks Rank High in National Tick Risk Amid Alpha-Gal Surge
Starved Rock and Mississippi Palisades state parks in Illinois have been identified as among the highest-risk locations in the United States for tick-borne diseases. The rankings, published by World Atlas, cite dense woodlands and high visitor numbers as key factors. Concurrently, Illinois is experiencing a rise in alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by lone star tick bites, prompting health officials to monitor the growing threat.