alpha-Gal Syndrome Cases Surgeโ Across teh U.S., Linked to Tick Bites
A โrecentโฃ study reveals a โฃdramaticโ increase in cases of โฃalpha-gal syndrome (AGS), โฃa rare but increasingly prevalent condition causing โฃallergic reactions toโ red meat, across the United States. The syndrome, triggered by bites from the Lone Starโข tick, isโข spreading beyondโค it’s historically concentrated areas in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, raisingโค concerns among โhealth officials and prompting a need โขfor greater awareness.
Alpha-gal syndrome occurs โwhen a tick bite transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-galโ into a person’s body. Thisโค can lead to delayedโข allergic reactions – โoften severalโ hours after consuming beef, pork, or lamb – โranging from hives and itching โto severe โanaphylaxis. The condition impactsโ an estimated 4,500 to โค22,000 Americans, but experts believeโ the actual number is significantly higher due to underdiagnosis. The surge in cases is attributed to the expanding range of the Lone Star tick, driven by factors like climate change and wildlife migration.
Hayden hurtig, diagnosed withโ AGS during middle school, shared hisโฃ experience with Nexstar’s WDAF, detailing allergic reactions following red meat โconsumption.After avoidingโค red meat for approximately seven โyears, Hurtig found he was able to eat it again, followingโ a doctor’s proposalโค to โeliminate itโ completely fromโ his diet. “The more you eat it, the more it feeds it and [getting over it] will takeโค longer,” Hurtigโ explained, relaying his physician’s advice.
Health officials emphasize thatโ preventing tick bitesโข is the most effective way to avoid AGS. Protective measures include using insect repellent containing โat least 20% DEET,picaridin,or IR3535,wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors,and avoiding areas with tall grass and โขleaf litter. The U.S. Forest Service recommends showering or bathing quickly after being outdoors and conducting thoroughโค body checks for ticks.
The Centers for Disease Controlโค and Prevention โ(CDC) is currentlyโข workingโค to improve AGS surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, as โwell โasโค educate both theโ public โand healthcareโฃ providers about the condition.As the Loneโ Star tick continues to expand its territory, vigilance andโ preventative measures are crucial in mitigating โthe growing impact of this unusual allergy.