Maine
Letter: Beware, meat allergy ticks are in Maine
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This is in response to the recent story about not worrying about tick bites and allergies to red meat. I have been diagnosed with AGS — Alpha Gal Syndrome — which is indeed being allergic to red meat from a tick bite. Studies now are indicating that the blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, can carry this also.
I’m now in my third year with this allergy and the case has been medically confirmed with my VA doctor and documented with the CDC. The tick definitely originated from Vassalboro with no out-of-state travel done during this time period. I do self-checks every time out but managed to miss this one between my pinky toe and the fourth toe. I did not seek medical treatment thinking that it was a dog tick and I watched the bite site for weeks.
When in doubt, remove the tick safely and save it for the doctor’s visit.
Robert Rooney
Vassalboro