A New Jersey man’s death has been linked to a tick-borne allergy to red meat, highlighting the dangers of alpha-gal syndrome, according to researchers at UVA Health.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey has become the first known fatality associated with a tick-borne allergy to red meat, as reported by researchers at UVA Health in Virginia. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, died last summer just four hours after consuming a hamburger. This incident followed a similar reaction two weeks earlier after he ate steak.
During the earlier episode, the man experienced severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming the steak, according to a press release from UVA Health. Initially, his death was categorized as “sudden unexplained death” until Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills of UVA Health identified it as a fatal allergic reaction.
The allergy in question is known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), commonly referred to as “red-meat allergy” or “tick bite meat allergy.” It is triggered by the bite of the Lone Star tick, which is predominantly found in the Southeastern and Eastern United States. The tick’s saliva contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which, once injected into the body, can lead to allergic reactions to certain types of red meat, including pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, and venison, as well as products derived from mammals such as cheese, milk, and gelatin.
Individuals who consume foods containing these allergens may experience serious symptoms within a few hours, although reactions can vary in severity. Common symptoms include rash, nausea, and vomiting after eating red meat. Other potential reactions may involve itchy or scaly skin, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, as well as wheezing or shortness of breath, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While fatal anaphylaxis is a rare occurrence in severe cases, the New Jersey man’s death marks the first instance attributed to AGS. Dr. Platts-Mills noted that other factors may have contributed to the man’s severe reaction, including a beer he consumed with his hamburger, exposure to ragweed pollen, and recent physical activity.
Dr. Platts-Mills emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the symptoms of AGS. “Severe abdominal pain occurring three to five hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb should be investigated as a possible episode of anaphylaxis,” he stated. He also cautioned that tick bites that itch for more than a week or larvae of ticks, often referred to as ‘chiggers,’ can increase sensitization to mammalian-derived meat.
Diagnosis of AGS typically requires antibody testing and a clinical examination. Unfortunately, many patients face a lengthy journey to diagnosis, averaging about seven years, according to Dr. Johanna Salzer, a CDC epidemiologist and author of a 2023 report on AGS. “To get diagnosed, they have to have access to an allergist,” Salzer explained. “For many people, there are barriers to obtaining that level of treatment.”
Once diagnosed, individuals may have AGS for life. However, Salzer noted that some patients may see a decrease in their antibody levels over time if they eliminate reactive foods from their diet. Currently, there is no cure for AGS, but physicians can assist patients in managing their symptoms. “Healthcare providers can offer various strategies to alleviate symptoms based on individual reactions,” Salzer said. For those experiencing severe reactions, EpiPens may be prescribed to counteract potential anaphylactic shock.
To prevent tick bites, Salzer recommends using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone when venturing into areas where ticks may be present. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, as well as avoiding grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, can help reduce the risk of bites.
After returning from tick-prone areas, individuals should shower and conduct a thorough check for ticks. Dr. Platts-Mills urged both doctors and patients in regions where Lone Star ticks are prevalent to remain vigilant about the risks associated with AGS. “If they experience unexpected episodes of severe abdominal pain occurring several hours after consuming mammalian meat, they should be evaluated for possible sensitization to the oligosaccharide alpha-gal,” he advised.
As awareness of alpha-gal syndrome continues to grow, health professionals stress the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical attention.
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