Tick-Borne Meat Allergy Could Affect Half a Million Americans

Lone Star Tick could be causing meat allergyPhoto byWikimedia

The big story

A concerning meat allergy linked to tick bites might be impacting almost 500,000 people in the United States, as per recent estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a series of reports released last week, the CDC focused on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an allergic reaction triggered by eating red meat or being exposed to products from mammals, often associated with lone star tick bites.

The first study revealed over 90,000 Americans tested positive for AGS between 2017 and 2022, with cases steadily increasing from 2017 to 2021. When combined with earlier cases, the CDC has identified around 110,000 suspected AGS cases from 2010 to 2022.

The second study highlighted a concerning gap in healthcare provider awareness and readiness regarding AGS. Among 1,500 surveyed, 42 percent were unfamiliar with the allergy, and 35 percent lacked confidence in diagnosing or managing AGS. Only a mere 5 percent felt highly confident.

University of North Carolina professor, and Chapel Hill resident, Dr. Scott Commins, who co-authored both studies says if the cases are truly that high it could be one of the most common food allergies in the US, as reported by the Associated Press(AP).

Why this matters?

Mayo Clinic explains that AGS emerges from lone star tick bites transmitting the alpha-gal sugar molecule, provoking an immune response. This sugar is found in most mammals, excluding fish, reptiles, birds, and humans. Symptoms, such as hives, nausea, shortness of breath, and indigestion, can vary in intensity and onset time, posing diagnostic challenges.

One of Dr. Commins' patients is Heller-Greenman, a 78-year-old art historian from New York, frequently bitten by ticks on Martha’s Vineyard. She had Lyme disease four times. Mysterious itchy hives led to an allergic reaction diagnosis. In 2020, after eating red meat, she suffered severe nausea, vomiting, and passed out. She was diagnosed shortly after with alpha-gal syndrome. Advised to avoid ticks and red meat, she now carefully reads labels to prevent reactions, with support from her vigilant grandchild.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an important emerging public health problem, with potentially severe health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients. It’s critical for clinicians to be aware of AGS so they can properly evaluate, diagnose and manage their patients and also educate them on tick-bite prevention to protect patients from developing this allergic condition.-Ann Carpenter, CDC, Epidemologist.

Countless Americans are facing this issue. Health experts stress the urgency of raising awareness, improving diagnosis, and promoting tick-bite prevention.