Your Body Almanac

Missouri

Tick hot spot of the Midwest, with hot summers and radon near Kansas City.

Missouri is one of the states where most US spotted fever cases occur, and it ranks high for alpha-gal antibodies. Summers are hot and humid, and several northwest counties have high radon potential.

01

Ticks, spotted fever and alpha-gal

CDC names Missouri among seven states with more than 75 percent of US spotted fever cases, and among the five states with the highest rates of alpha-gal antibodies. Lone star ticks, common here, also spread ehrlichiosis.

SourcesPress Kit — Understanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases (CDC)About Alpha-gal Syndrome (CDC)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.
02

Humid summer heat

Missouri summers bring humid heat that keeps sweat from cooling you. Heat waves with warm nights are especially hard on older adults and people without air conditioning.

SourcesHeat Index (National Weather Service)About Heat and Your Health (CDC)
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours. Drink water through the dayDailyKeep a water bottle within reach and sip through the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty.
03

Radon in the northwest

EPA places 11 Missouri counties in Zone 1, its highest radon-potential category, mostly in the northwest, including Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass and Buchanan around Kansas City and St. Joseph. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

SourcesEPA Map of Radon Zones and Supplemental Information (US EPA)Health Risk of Radon (US EPA)
Test your home for radonAs neededRadon is invisible and odorless, so a simple test is the only way to know your level. Fix it at 4 pCi/L or higher.

When to see a professional

See a doctor right away for fever, headache or rash within two weeks of a tick bite. Hives or stomach upset a few hours after red meat is worth asking about alpha-gal.