Alpha-Gal Syndrome Gains Attention as Tick-Related Cases Spread
Health officials say about 450,000 Americans may have the allergy as doctors report more cases and new treatments become available.
- Health experts are warning about the growing prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome, a condition caused by certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
- Symptoms often appear several hours after eating meat, making the allergy harder to identify than typical food allergies and leading to delayed diagnoses for many patients.
- As tick populations expand, researchers and doctors are calling for greater public awareness, early recognition of symptoms, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
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37 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)What to know about alpha-gal syndrome as cases spike
Regulators recently approved the first drug for the condition, and more therapies may be on the way
Meet the lone star tick: the primary U.S. source of alpha-gal syndrome, which is a life-threatening meat allergy that's on the rise
It’s common knowledge that ticks can spread infections that cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. Now health officials are trying to raise awareness of a lesser-known problem: a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites. The problem, known as alpha-gal syndrome, was first linked to a particular species of ticks about 15 years ago. But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchi…
Alpha-gal syndrome: How tick bites are triggering life-threatening meat allergies across the US
A rare immune reaction triggered by tick bites is causing people to develop severe allergies to beef, pork and lamb, with health officials warning that expanding tick habitats and rising awareness are driving a surge in reported cases.
Associated Press News
What to know about alpha-gal syndrome, the life-threatening meat allergy caused by tick bites
Health officials are raising awareness about alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by tick bites. This condition is on the rise.
The condition was associated for the first time with certain tick species about 15 years ago. Unlike other diseases transmitted by these insects, alpha-gal syndrome is not caused by bacteria or viruses, but by a reaction of the immune system to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. According to Associated Press, alpha-gal is found in the flesh of most mammals, including in the beef, pig and lamb, but not in humans or other primates. The substance i…
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