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Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Spring tick warning as ‘fatal allergic reactions' developed after bites
Alpha-gal syndrome is a new allergic condition caused by tick bites. The symptoms can be quite severe and it can even be fatal in certain cases. Here's what you need to know A new report has linked various types of ticks to alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. Ticks are known to carry a range of illnesses with different impacts, but one of the most lethal is alpha-gal syndrome. The disease was first reported in the UK in 2019, primarily among travellers returning from abroad with tick bites. However, a recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that Ixodes ricinus, a tick species native to the UK, could be spreading the disease. This follows several case reports in Scotland. Previously, it was believed that the lone star tick, native to the US, was solely responsible for the condition. However, new reports from the CDC have identified two additional black-legged tick species that may be carrying the disease across the Atlantic. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy triggered by the saliva of certain ticks. It causes the immune system to overreact to a specific sugar, galactose-α-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal for short, found in mammalian muscle tissue. Consequently, individuals with this syndrome develop a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat, certain medications, personal care products, and medical treatments. According to Anaphylaxis UK, the symptoms of this allergic reaction can be somewhat delayed, making it difficult for some people to identify their condition. The initial symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can manifest up to eight hours after consuming red meat. Mild reactions may include a raised red rash on any part of the body, an itchy or tingly sensation in the mouth, swelling around the eyes, lips and face, as well as stomach pain or vomiting. In more severe instances, the condition can lead to anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, disrupt heart rhythm or blood pressure. Individuals may feel weak and floppy or experience a sense of impending doom due to a drop in blood pressure. Collapsing and loss of consciousness are also possible outcomes, and without appropriate treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Those with asthma may also be at risk of experiencing more serious symptoms. Treatment for alpha-gal syndrome is similar to that of other allergies; this includes antihistamines, EpiPens if necessary, and avoiding the allergen. The allergy may not be permanent for some individuals, while others may have lifelong sensitivity. Avoiding further tick bites can also enhance the chances of your symptoms lessening over time. If you're concerned you might have alpha-gal syndrome, Anaphylaxis UK recommends asking your GP to refer you to an allergy clinic, even if the symptoms are mild.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NCAA changes transgender participation policy in response to executive order
The National Collegiate Athletic Association's board of governors voted to update the association's participation policy for student-athletes following President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The new policy only allows student-athletes assigned female at birth to participate in women's sporting competitions. However, student-athletes assigned male at birth will still be allowed to practice with women's teams and receive benefits, like medical care, while practicing. An athlete who is undergoing hormone therapy, such as testosterone, is also barred from competing on a women's team, according to the new policy. This may impact athletes who do not identify as and would otherwise not be considered transgender. "Testosterone can be important in women for bone density and muscle mass, cognitive function, mood, sexual function, and energy," according to a 2020 article in the British Journal of General Practice, available through the National Library of Medicine on the National Institutes of Health website. "Adequate levels of testosterone are important for the maintenance of musculoskeletal health and possibly vascular and brain function." MORE: State Department halts 'X' passport gender marker applications Eliminating transgender women from women's sports was a promise central to Trump's 2024 campaign. But it's not the only executive order affecting the transgender community -- which is estimated to make up less than 1% of the population over the age of 13. Trump also recently signed executive orders restricting transgender participation in the military, criminalizing gender-affirming medical care for people under 19, and forbidding the use of nonbinary gender markers on federal documents. NCAA President Charlie Baker said in Senate testimony in December 2024 that out of the more than 500,000 participants, he was aware of fewer than 10 trans athletes with the NCAA. The organization said in its announcement on Thursday that the policy is effective immediately and will apply to all student-athletes regardless of previous eligibility under the organization's past policy. 'We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today's student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard," Baker said in the statement. The announcement also noted that the organization had updated its "Mental Health Best Practices," adding that it "requires all schools to make mental health services and resources available to all student-athletes consistent with the Mental Health Best Practices." 'The updated policy combined with these resources follows through on the NCAA's constitutional commitment to deliver intercollegiate athletics competition and to protect, support and enhance the mental and physical health of student-athletes,' Baker's statement continued. 'This national standard brings much needed clarity as we modernize college sports for today's student-athletes.' NCAA changes transgender participation policy in response to executive order originally appeared on
