"Tick Saliva Linked to Red Meat Allergies in US, CDC Warns"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that tick saliva is causing allergic reactions to red meat in Americans, with potentially over 400,000 people in the U.S. affected. Bites from lone star ticks are responsible for the allergic reaction, triggered by a sugar called alpha-gal found in red meat. Symptoms include hives, cramping, nausea, itchy skin, and diarrhea, with severity varying from person to person. While there is no cure, individuals can protect themselves by wearing repellent, long pants, and long sleeves in wooded areas, and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.