The connection between climate change and the rise in tick-borne illnesses, such as Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS), is becoming increasingly evident. Climate change is altering ecosystems, extending warmer seasons, and creating more hospitable environments for ticks. As global temperatures rise, ticks are thriving in areas previously too cold for them, expanding their geographic range. This allows species like the Lone Star tick, which is linked to AGS, to migrate into new territories, exposing more people to the risk of developing this meat allergy.
Additionally, milder winters and longer summers mean that ticks are active for extended periods, increasing the chances of human-tick interactions. Climate-driven shifts in animal populations also play a role, as ticks depend on hosts like deer and small mammals. As tick populations grow and spread, so does the risk of tick-borne diseases, which are no longer confined to isolated regions but are emerging in previously unaffected areas. This trend illustrates how climate change can have profound effects on public health, particularly through the transmission of diseases like AGS and Lyme disease. The Vineyard Gazette recently reported that “in 2020, the [Martha’s Vineyard] hospital recorded just two confirmed cases of alpha-gal sensitivity. By 2022, the number had jumped to 77. This year, as of Sept. 30, the hospital had 365 positive cases.”.
To mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne illness, increased public awareness, preventive measures, and monitoring of tick populations in newly affected areas are essential. Here on the island, we have the Martha’s Vineyard Tick-borne Illness Reduction Initiative (aka the Tick Program) leading the way.
