Arkansas tick season brings warning about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Ticks are out as people head outdoors this spring, and a doctor is warning about a little-known illness on the rise.

Dog ticks, deer ticks, Gulf Coast ticks and Lone Star ticks are among the most common in Arkansas. New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State Dean Dr. Shane Speights said they can be found nearly anywhere in the state.

“So, when you think about certainly the deep woods in northeast Arkansas, along like the Spring River and things like that, anything along the rivers or large bodies of water, you’re going to be at a higher risk,” Speights said.

Those ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme Disease. Speights said there is a growing concern with another disease — Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

The Lone Star Tick carries a molecule that can transfer to humans through a bite and can cause an allergic reaction to red meat.

“That’s a smaller percentage of the population. But it can last for a long, long time. And it can be a violent response in terms of eating, you know, just a little bit of steak or a hamburger. You can get violently ill,” Speights said.

Data from the Arkansas Department of Health showed a sharp increase in Alpha-Gal Syndrome confirmed or probable cases in the state, from 70 in 2023 to 344 in 2024 and 249 in 2025.

The most common symptoms after a tick bite are fever and chills, aches and pains and rash. Speights said a person should seek medical attention after 36 hours if the tick is still attached.

“If the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, we recommend you start antibiotics, promptly,” Speights said. He said antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician.

Ticks should not prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors. Speights said there are things people can do to prevent a tick hopping on them, like wearing light-colored clothing, pants, high socks and boots.

If one does get on a person, Speights said to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the possibility of infection.

“You should remove the tick by carefully lifting up on the back of it with some tweezers and just kind of gently pulling until the teeth, um, let go of your skin. Uh, cause you do worry about, you know, parts of the tick being left there can cause infection,” Speights said.

Doctors say the best defense is to avoid tall grass, wear light-colored clothing and shower within two hours of being outdoors.

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