What to know about alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites
Summary
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy caused by tick bites that leads to reactions when eating red meat and other animal-based products. It occurs due to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal found in many mammals but not in humans. The syndrome is spreading globally due to the widespread presence of ticks.Key Facts
- Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to a sugar called alpha-gal, found in most mammals.
- The allergy occurs after a person is bitten by a tick; the immune system overreacts to the sugar.
- The syndrome can cause reactions not only to red meat but also to dairy, gelatin, and certain medications.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates around 450,000 people in the U.S. may have this syndrome.
- Initially thought to be limited to the southeastern U.S., the syndrome is now found globally.
- Various tick species across six continents can carry alpha-gal syndrome, including the deer tick.
- To manage the allergy, people need to avoid tick bites and foods/products containing alpha-gal.
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