The Rising Threat of Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A Tick-Borne Red Meat Allergy

The Emerging Public Health Issue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), a red meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites, is becoming an increasingly significant public health issue. The agency has identified approximately 110,000 suspected cases of AGS in the U.S. from 2010 to 2022. However, the actual number could be as high as 450,000 due to the lack of awareness among healthcare providers about the syndrome.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

AGS, also known as the red-meat allergy or the tick-bite-meat allergy, is believed to be primarily associated with lone star tick bites. The condition can be potentially life-threatening, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hives, and difficulty breathing after consuming food containing alpha-gal, a sugar found in mammal products.

The Rise of Tick-Borne Diseases

The rise in tick-borne diseases, including AGS, can be attributed to expanding deer populations and a warming climate, which provides a more hospitable environment for ticks. The CDC reports that tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, have more than doubled in the U.S. between 2004 and 2019.

Geographical Distribution of AGS

The Southern, Midwestern, and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. have reported the most cases of AGS. The highest numbers of suspected cases were found in New York’s Suffolk County and Virginia’s Bedford County. However, cases have also been reported in Minnesota and Wisconsin, areas not known to have lone star ticks.

Alpha-Gal in Foods and Products

Alpha-gal is found in meats such as pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, and venison, and in products like gelatin, cow’s milk, milk products, and some pharmaceuticals. It is not found in fish, reptiles, or birds. Patients with AGS may not be allergic to every product containing alpha-gal and may not have an allergic reaction every time they are exposed to the sugar.

Diagnosis and Awareness of AGS

Diagnosis of AGS can only be made through a test and clinical exam by an allergist or other healthcare provider. However, a CDC study revealed that more than 40% of 1,500 surveyed medical professionals hadn’t heard of AGS, and over a third were not confident in their ability to diagnose it.

Preventing AGS and Other Tick-Borne Diseases

Prevention of AGS and other tick-borne diseases involves avoiding grassy and wooded areas where ticks are found. Using insect repellent containing ingredients like DEET or picaridin, staying in the center of trails during hikes, and checking clothes for ticks upon returning home are recommended. Showering within two hours of coming home and checking the body for ticks can also help. If ticks are found, they should be removed with tweezers and the bite and hands should be washed with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.