The Lone Star tick's northward expansion brings new health challenges, as it carries diseases like ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal syndrome, and the Bourbon virus.
Rene Ebersole reports for Undark Magazine.
In short:
- The Lone Star tick, known for its aggressive behavior and unique diseases, is spreading northward, now established from Florida to Maine and as far west as Nebraska.
- This tick species carries several diseases, including ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy), and the potentially fatal Bourbon virus.
- Environmental changes, such as warmer winters and recovering forests, along with an increase in white-tailed deer populations, are contributing to this expansion.
Key quote:
"It’s kind of this perfect storm for them to be taking over."
— Andrea Egizi, Tick researcher
Why this matters:
The northward spread of the Lone Star tick, linked to climate change and environmental shifts, underscores the evolving nature of vector-borne diseases and their impact on national health.
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