The symptoms of a potentially fatal allergic reaction known as the Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) appear up to six hours after eating red meat.
Experts are urging improved education of the dangers from tick bites with the commencement of Australia's tick bite season.A potentially life-threatening allergy called the Mammalian Meat Allergy is induced by a tick bite.
Tick season in Australia begins in July and continues into the summer. With that comes the increased risk from tick-borne illness, which in the case of the meat allergy can be potentially life-threatening. Professor David Christ from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has studied the structure of the allergen - a sugar molecule called alpha-galactose or alpha-gal - and also the antibody response.
The associated gut symptoms are similar to irritable bowel syndrome. Avoiding further tick bites can allow a person to recover and return to meat consumption within three to four years. Once free of symptoms, another tick bite can reactivate the process again.Christ says he and his colleagues are working on a treatment, but that it's still in an early stage.
"About 60 per cent of Australians are potentially exposed to tick bites in that they live in the 30 kilometres or so east of the Great Dividing Range. The tick requires humidity and a wet autumn for numbers to be in plague proportions." Tick-related allergies are the reason people present to hospital emergency departments, particularly in places where the ticks are most abundant. Globally, there are almost 900 species of tick.In addition to this, using tick repellant that contains the active ingredient DEET is also advised.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two fatal crashes on Sydney's roads within 40 minutes of eachotherA 25-year-old female passenger has died after a Nissan Skyline crashed into a truck parked at an intersection in Ingleburn overnight. A 24-year-old male driver suffered minor injuries and remains at Liverpool Hospital under police guard. MORE: 9News
Read more »
Man ‘targeted’ in fatal shooting on inner Melbourne streetMultiple shots were fired at the man late on Friday evening as he was walking near a busy nightlife precinct.
Read more »
CCTV shows fatal crash accused drinking five glasses of wine at nearby hotel, court toldA woman accused of killing a prominent South Australian neuropsychologist in a hit-and-run crash on Goodwood Road has given evidence in Adelaide's District Court, rejecting prosecution accusations that she knew she had hit a pedestrian.
Read more »
Homicide squad probes woman’s death at home in Melbourne’s westA 40-year-old woman from Darley has been identified as the person killed following an incident at a suburban home in Melbourne’s west on Thursday.
Read more »
‘Crumbling system’: More sick Victorians endure 24-hour waits in emergencyThe number of Victorians languishing in emergency departments for more than 24 hours has increased significantly, with doctors warning of a system that is crumbling.
Read more »
Canadian province shelves plans to bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games due to costsCommonwealth Sport Canada says it understands Victoria's recent decision to walk away from hosting the 2026 event was a 'significant factor' behind Alberta's announcement.
Read more »