Growing Alpha-Gal Syndrome Cases: Tick-Borne Meat Allergy Warning in the US

In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a startling increase in the prevalence of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic condition triggered by tick bites. From 2010 to 2022, more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS were identified, but the latest estimates suggest that a staggering 450,000 people in the United States may now be impacted by this alarming meat allergy.

Alpha-gal syndrome, also known as alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick-bite meat allergy, is contracted through tick bites, primarily by the lone star tick. When these ticks feed on mammals, they acquire a carbohydrate called alpha-gal, which is then transmitted to humans through their saliva. Upon infection, the body recognizes alpha-gal as a foreign invader, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction when the person consumes meat or dairy products containing alpha-gal.

Symptoms of AGS typically manifest two to six hours after consuming affected food items or products, and can range from mild to severe, even becoming life-threatening. Some common reactions include hives or an itchy rash, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids.

To prevent AGS, the CDC recommends taking precautionary measures to avoid tick bites. This includes avoiding wooded, grassy, and bushy areas where ticks may be present, walking in the center of trails, and treating clothing and gear with tick insect repellent. Upon returning indoors, individuals are advised to check their clothes, gear, and pets for ticks, and take a thorough shower to inspect for any ticks that may have latched onto their skin.

If AGS is suspected or diagnosed, it should be managed under the care of an allergist or healthcare provider. As many products contain alpha-gal, individuals will need to work closely with their doctor to identify and avoid specific products that trigger allergic reactions.

Foods containing alpha-gal include mammalian meat such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, and rabbit. Certain organ meats like liver, lung, heart, kidneys, and intestines, as well as milk and milk-based products, are known to carry higher amounts of alpha-gal. On the other hand, poultry such as chicken, turkey, duck, quail, eggs, fish, seafood like shrimp, fruits, and vegetables are safe options for individuals with AGS.

Health officials have not reported any confirmed deaths linked to alpha-gal syndrome so far, but raising awareness about this condition is crucial to proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients. Moreover, educating the public about tick-bite prevention is essential in protecting individuals from developing this potentially life-altering allergic condition.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)*

1. What is Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?
Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic condition triggered by tick bites. It is also known as alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick-bite meat allergy. AGS can lead to allergic reactions when affected individuals consume red meat, including meat from cows, deer, pigs, or goats.

2. What are the symptoms of AGS?
The symptoms of AGS typically appear two to six hours after eating meat or dairy products containing alpha-gal. Reactions can vary from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, dizziness, and fainting.

3. Can I get AGS from a tick bite?
Yes, AGS can be contracted through tick bites. Evidence suggests that the syndrome is primarily associated with the bite of the lone star tick in the United States. However, more research is needed to understand the role of other tick species in causing AGS.

4. How can I prevent AGS?
Preventing tick bites is the key to reducing the chances of developing AGS. When outdoors, individuals should avoid wooded, grassy, and bushy areas where ticks may be present, walk in the center of trails, and treat clothing and gear with tick insect repellent. Upon returning indoors, it is essential to check clothes, gear, and pets for ticks and take a thorough shower to inspect for any ticks on the skin.

5. What should I do if I have AGS?
If you suspect or are diagnosed with AGS, it is crucial to seek medical care from an allergist or healthcare provider. Working with a doctor is essential to identify and avoid specific products containing alpha-gal that trigger allergic reactions.

6. Which foods have alpha-gal?
Alpha-gal can be found in mammalian meat such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, and rabbit. Certain organ meats, milk, and milk-based products also typically contain alpha-gal. Safe alternatives for individuals with AGS include poultry like chicken, turkey, duck, quail, eggs, fish, seafood like shrimp, and various fruits and vegetables.