When Montanans think of diseases caused by ticks, we think Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease.  There are a plethora of other illnesses caused by ticks, but those are the 2 that spring to mind first. These both cause big health problems for those afflicted.

Now there's one more thing to add to the list of things to worry about in Montana when it comes to ticks.  A new syndrome that makes you allergic to meat.

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Alpha-gal Syndrome

It's called AGS, or alpha-gal syndrome.  According to the CDC,

  • AGS reactions can include:
    • Hives or itchy rash
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Heartburn or indigestion
    • Diarrhea
    • Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
    • Drop in blood pressure
    • Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids
    • Dizziness or faintness
    • Severe stomach pain
  • Symptoms commonly appear 2-6 hours after eating meat or dairy products, or after exposure to products containing alpha-gal (for example, gelatin-coated medications).
  • AGS reactions can be different from person-to-person. They can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction involving multiple organ systems) may need urgent medical care.
  • People may not have an allergic reaction after every alpha-gal exposure.
  • If you think you may have AGS go talk to your healthcare provider

Be sure and do a tick check after every outdoor adventure and be sure and check your pet for ticks, as well.

Get all the details you need here:

This gallery can help identify tick borne illnesses.

LOOK: 11 tick-borne illnesses and what to watch out for during your outdoor adventures

Stacker compiled a list of 11 common tick-borne diseases in the U.S. and what symptoms to watch out for, using a variety of medical and government sources. 

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