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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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