Teen’s Death May Be Linked to Rare Meat Allergy Triggered by Tick Bites, NSW Coroner Hears
Sydney, NSW – A NSW deputy coroner is considering whether a teenage boy’s death in 2022 was caused by a rare meat allergy developed after being bitten by a tick, a condition known as mammalian meat allergy (MMA). Teh inquest into the death of Jeremy Webb, 19, heard evidence suggesting a connection between the tick bite and a severe anaphylactic reaction after he consumed a beef burger.
The case highlights the growing awareness of MMA, a condition were individuals develop an allergy to red meat – beef, pork, lamb, and venison – after being bitten by certain species of ticks. The bite transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which can trigger an allergic response to mammalian meat. Symptoms can range from hives and gastrointestinal distress to severe anaphylaxis.
Ms. Myfanwy Webb,Jeremy’s mother,told the inquest her son was bitten by a tick while bushwalking in february 2022. He subsequently developed a previously unknown allergy to red meat, experiencing reactions after consuming beef. On November 20, 2022, Jeremy suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction after eating a burger, and initial investigations did not link the reaction to a meat allergy.
Professor Richard van Nunen, an expert in tick-borne diseases, told the court that the correct procedure for tick removal is to “freeze it – don’t squeeze it.” He recommends spraying the tick wiht ‘Tick-off’ – a freezing medication – approximately one centimetre above the insect, and then allowing it to drop off. If the tick doesn’t detach, he advises seeking removal by a general practitioner or at an emergency department, or carefully extracting it with fine-tipped forceps.
Ms. Webb believes a misdiagnosis in her son’s case could lead to further fatalities from MMA. She is advocating for a public health campaign to educate both medical professionals and the public about the allergy and its link to tick bites.
“I think Jeremy would be so proud of this inquest about his death,” Ms. webb said. “If it saves one more life, then that’s a win, a huge win.”
The deputy coroner’s findings are expected to be delivered at a later date and could potentially lead to changes in how MMA is recognised and managed in NSW.