Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos turn anniversary into tick bite warning on live TV
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos marked their 30th wedding anniversary with a light-hearted but serious discussion about tick bites. On Live with Kelly and Mark, the couple warned viewers about rising cases across the US. The topic even led to jokes about their own relationship—and a few awkward moments on air. During the show, Consuelos shared alarming statistics about tick bites reaching their highest levels in nearly a decade. He pointed out regions where cases have spiked sharply. Beyond irritation, he warned that ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and even trigger Alpha-gal syndrome—a severe allergic reaction to red meat.
Ripa admitted she struggles to spot ticks, even after being shown what to look for. At one point, she confessed to feeling like she constantly has a tick on her, thanks to heightened sensitivity. The conversation took a playful turn when Consuelos joked that a 'tick check' between them was like 'third base' in their marriage. Executive producer Michael Gelman chimed in with humour, wishing the couple a happy anniversary before adding, 'Tick check!' The segment blended laughter with a clear message: tick bites are a growing health risk that shouldn’t be ignored.
The discussion highlighted the seriousness of tick-borne illnesses while keeping the mood light. Consuelos urged viewers to stay vigilant, especially in high-risk areas. With cases climbing, the segment served as both a celebration of their anniversary and a timely public health reminder.
