Aggressive Lone Star Ticks Spread to Ohio, Bringing Risk of Red Meat Allergy

Published: May 20, 2026 - 1:21 p.m.

By Lauren Portier

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Health officials are sounding the alarm as the lone star tick officially cements its presence on Ohio's confirmed range map. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its data to show the aggressive species is now established in the Buckeye State, part of a broader northward expansion that includes more than 30 states. This shift follows several years of shorter, milder winters and a surging deer population, both of which provide ideal conditions for these ticks to thrive. Unlike many other species that wait passively for a host, the lone star tick is known for being unusually fast and will actively pursue its target. Entomologists at Ohio State University have noted that the risk is highest for those spending time near the brushy borders of wooded areas. This describes a massive portion of the landscape in central and southeastern Ohio. The danger is not just the physical bite, as health authorities are specifically concerned about the long-term conditions these pests can trigger. One of the most serious is Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS, which is a potentially fatal allergy to red meat and mammal-based products such as dairy. According to the CDC, there may be as many as 450,000 Americans living with AGS, though many remain undiagnosed. Part of the problem is that the reaction is not immediate. Ohio State Health and Discovery points out that symptoms can take hours to appear after a person eats meat, meaning many patients never realize a tick bite from weeks prior is the root cause of their sudden illness. Beyond allergies, the lone star tick is a known carrier of the Heartland virus. This rare but severe illness currently has no vaccine and no cure, often resulting in weeks of debilitating fatigue, fever, and muscle pain. With emergency department visits for tick bites already spiking across the Midwest, families are urged to be proactive during outdoor activities. Experts suggest using EPA-approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin and treating hiking clothes with permethrin. After returning from any wooded or grassy area, residents should shower within two hours and perform a meticulous body check. Be sure to check children and pets in areas where ticks often hide, specifically behind the ears, in the hairline, and under the armpits. If a tick is found, the CDC recommends removing it immediately with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling upward with steady pressure. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.