It may sound strange, but a tick species common to the southeastern United States could cause you to become allergic to red meat. Cases of this new reaction are on the rise; are you prepared to prevent tick bites this spring and summer?

The Lone Star tick (also known as the Water Tick) is one of the most prevalent species in Alabama. Its bites are painless, making it difficult to know if one has been bitten. Following a bite from the Lone Star tick, a rash develops on the skin. Symptoms that follow include headache, fatigue, and muscle pains.

A Lone Star tick bite has also been linked to the development of a new allergy. Suffers have reported that after eating red meat, they've experienced swollen lips, hives, itching, and breathing problems. Some have even required emergency assistance. The CDC doesn't have exact numbers on this allergy; however, some experts estimate that 1 in 5 bitten by a Lone Star tick will develop an allergy to red meat.

Check out the video below for more info on how you can prevent Lone Star tick bites this season.

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