6 Lone Star Tick Diseases You Can Get From an Infected Bite

2. Heartland Virus

• • • Cause: Heartland virus (a phlebovirus)
    • Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea
    • Notes: This virus has no specific treatment, so supportive care is essential. Early recognition is key.

3. Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)

• • • Cause: Likely bacterial, exact cause still under study
    • Symptoms: Rash similar to the “bullseye” rash of Lyme disease, sometimes accompanied by fever, headache, or fatigue
    • Notes: Usually considered less severe than Lyme disease, but still requires monitoring.

4. Alpha-Gal Syndrome

• • • Cause: Immune reaction to a sugar molecule (alpha-gal) transmitted by the tick
    • Symptoms: Allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal products, ranging from hives to severe anaphylaxis
    • Notes: This is not an infection but an allergy triggered by the bite. Avoiding red meat is necessary once diagnosed.

5. Tularemia

• • • Cause: Bacteria Francisella tularensis
    • Symptoms: Fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory issues (depending on exposure route)
    • Notes: Rare but potentially serious. Antibiotics are effective when administered promptly.

6. Cytauxzoonosis (Primarily in Cats)

• • Cause: Protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis
  • Symptoms: High fever, lethargy, jaundice, anemia in infected cats
  • Notes: While this primarily affects cats, it highlights the Lone Star tick’s ability to transmit various pathogens across species.

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