Your Body Almanac

Oklahoma

Long hot summers and ticks that can spread spotted fever and alpha-gal.

Oklahoma is one of a handful of states where most US spotted fever cases happen, and it has some of the highest rates of alpha-gal, a tick-triggered red meat allergy. Summers are long and hot.

01

Ticks and spotted fever

More than three-quarters of US spotted fever rickettsiosis cases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, come from seven states, and Oklahoma is one of them. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be deadly if not treated early. Ticks live in grass, brush and woods, and on dogs.

SourcesUnderstanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases — press kit (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

Alpha-gal syndrome from lone star ticks

Bites from the lone star tick are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat and other mammal products that can be mild or life-threatening. Oklahoma is one of five states with the highest rates of people testing positive for alpha-gal antibodies. Reactions often come hours after eating.

SourcesAbout Alpha-gal Syndrome (CDC)Understanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases — press kit (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.
03

Summer heat

Long stretches of summer heat strain your heart and your body's cooling system, especially during outdoor work or exercise and for older adults, young children and people without air conditioning. Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, a medical emergency.

SourcesHeat Safety Tips and Resources (National Weather Service)
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.

When to see a professional

See a doctor quickly for fever, headache or rash in the two weeks after a tick bite. See an allergist if you get hives, stomach pain or swelling hours after eating red meat. Call 911 for trouble breathing or signs of heat stroke.