Online conversations about tick-borne illnesses surged after the Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to address expanding tick populations. Many recent discussions have focused on alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and cow’s milk that can result from tick bites. Alpha-gal syndrome has long been a target of conspiracy theories claiming the condition is a bioweapon. Some are also claiming, without evidence, that growing tick populations are part of a plot to force acceptance of a Lyme disease vaccine. This claim first spiked online in March after a new Lyme disease vaccine was found to be more than 70 percent effective in clinical trials.
Recommendation
Recent online discourse about Lyme disease and alpha-gal indicates widespread distrust of new vaccines. Communicators may address these concerns by explaining how new vaccines are developed and tested for safety, emphasizing the years of rigorous safety testing required before approval and the continued safety monitoring that occurs after approval. Messaging may also emphasize that Lyme disease, alpha-gal, and other tick-borne diseases have been increasing as warming temperatures allow ticks to expand their range. Explaining how Lyme disease and alpha-gal spread, as well as how to protect against them, is recommended.
Fact-checking sources: New York-Presbyterian Hospital, BU Today
Communication resources: Read more on communicating about lyme disease
