Fears Grow That Rapidly Spreading Meat-Allergy Tick Is Genetically Engineered Bioweapon
by Frank Bergman
Fears are mounting that the rapidly spreading lone star tick, which can trigger a deadly lifelong allergy to red meat, may have been genetically engineered rather than emerging naturally.
Reports of the parasite have been surging across the United States as thousands of Americans are diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome every year.
A bite from the lone star tick can cause the condition, leaving victims fatally allergic to red meat for life.
There is no cure.
The disturbing spread has fueled speculation among online groups and some academics that the tick was genetically altered as a bioweapon.
Some have specifically alleged that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was involved in engineering the parasite to spread alpha-gal syndrome.
At least 15,000 people are now diagnosed with the disease every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, cases are continuing to surge in multiple states.
Viral Experiment Exposes Tick’s Extreme Resilience
The issue exploded across social media after science-based YouTuber Rusty Cage discovered a lone star tick on his body and documented his repeated attempts to kill it over 16 days.
Cage began by submerging the tick in water to determine how long it could survive.
After five days underwater, the parasite was still moving.