KANSAS CITY — University Health in Kansas City has opened a nurse hotline for the public to call with questions about Alpha Gal Syndrome as tick season begins in Missouri. The hotline, reachable at 1-816-339-TICK, is intended to direct callers to appropriate testing, providers, and treatment.

More than 34,000 cases of Alpha Gal Syndrome have been reported in Missouri since 2021. The syndrome is transmitted by the Lone Star tick, which is common in the state, and can trigger allergies to beef, pork, lamb, and occasionally eggs and dairy. Many people can carry the allergy for years.

Missouri health care providers are reminding residents about the condition as outdoor activity increases. Wes Stouts, a nurse practitioner at University Health, said Missourians should check for ticks after walking in tall grassy areas or woods.

Stouts advised checking places where ticks hide, including in the hair, behind the ears, on the waistband, and behind the knees. If a tick has attached, he said it should be carefully removed with tweezers using steady pressure. To prevent bites, Stouts recommended wearing long sleeves, tucking pant legs into socks, and using bug spray containing DEET.

For patients who develop the syndrome, treatment options include an epinephrine pen for severe allergic reactions. Some off-label medications can reduce symptoms of an allergic reaction, according to Stouts. Stouts noted that the allergy can persist for years in some individuals, making awareness and prevention an ongoing concern for those who spend time outdoors in Missouri.

Additional information about Alpha Gal Syndrome is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. University Health's hotline at 1-816-339-TICK is open for questions about testing and treatment options.