STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness)
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Rash: A red, expanding “bull’s-eye” rash similar to Lyme disease
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Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever
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Note: Unlike Lyme disease, STARI is not caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and has no confirmed long-term complications, but it still deserves medical attention
Ehrlichiosis
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Onset: 1-2 weeks after bite
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Symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea
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Lab findings: Low white blood cell count, low platelets
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Treatment: Doxycycline (antibiotic)
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy)
This is the most unusual—and increasingly common—condition associated with lone star ticks.
What it is: An allergy to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in red meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison) and some mammalian products (gelatin, dairy).
How it happens: The tick bite sensitizes your immune system to alpha-gal. Later, when you eat red meat, your body has an allergic reaction.
Symptoms (delayed):
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Hives, itching, swelling
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Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
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Difficulty breathing
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Anaphylaxis (rare but serious)
The catch: Symptoms appear 3-6 hours after eating meat—not immediately. This delay makes it hard to connect the cause.
What to do: If you notice reactions after eating red meat, tell your doctor about the tick bite.
Step 4: When to See a Doctor
Read more on the next page
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