by Alyson Breisch

Southern Conference Minister

for Health and Wellness

Ticks carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. Lyme disease, carried by blacklegged ticks, is by far the most common tick-borne disease in the U.S. The American dog tick can cause Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and the bite of a lone star tick can result in several lone star tick diseases. This article focuses on one specific lone star tick-borne disease, Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) which is increasing and troubling.

Alpha-gal syndrome – also called red meat allergy or tick bite meat allergy - is an allergy to red meat (such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, or other meat from mammals) that can be life-threatening. Alpha-gal syndrome is caused by a sugar molecule—called alpha-gal—that is present in the saliva of the tick and in red meat. Humans can’t make this sugar, and if you’re exposed to it from a tick bite, you can become allergic to red meat and other products from mammals. Some people with AGS may also be sensitiveto alpha-gal found in gelatin made from beef or pork, products made or cooked with mammal fat, like lard, tallow, or suet, and meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy. Food products that contain milk and milk products may also contain alpha-gal, however, many patients with AGS can tolerate milk products. Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after being exposed to products containing alpha-gal, like red meat or dairy products. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some may be life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems). Alpha-gal Syndrome should be managed under the care of an allergist or other healthcare provider.

Most reported cases of AGS in the United States occur in South, East, and Central states. These are the areas where most lone star ticks are found. In the United States, the lone star tick is most often associated with AGS. A few cases of AGS have been reported following bites from blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks.

If you spend time in the woods in a region where ticks are common, It is essential to focus on tick-bite prevention. Minimize any exposed skin where ticks can bite you. Wear permethrin-treated clothing, a hat, and long sleeves and long pants, with the pant legs tucked into your socks. After your walk or hike, change into fresh clothing. Check yourself for ticks and remove any you find. The University of Rhode Island TickEncounterwebpage offers educational articles with simple effective strategies detailing how to be “Tick Smart” and “Tickborne Disease Prevention Tips.”