A rare meat allergy triggered by tick bites, known as alpha-gal syndrome, may be spreading beyond its usual hotspots, experts warn. While the condition has long been linked to the lone star tick, two recent cases suggest other tick species in the U.S. may also be responsible, raising concerns that the allergy could emerge in new regions.
The alpha-gal syndrome occurs when a lone star tick bite transfers a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body, triggering an immune response. This can lead to mild to severe allergic reactions to red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb. In some cases, it may also cause sensitivities to dairy products and gelatin.
