West Virginia tracks uptick in meat allergy disease from lone star ticks

by Mark Richardson

West Virginia News Service

West Virginia is seeing a sharp rise in alpha-gal syndrome as lone star ticks spread across the state.

The tick-borne condition can make people allergic to red meat, dairy and other products from mammals. Reactions can include stomach problems, hives, wheezing and trouble breathing.

Madison Flory, fellow at the West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Initiative, said state figures are showing a steep uptick in the numbers.

“The…