According to a story from Vox, Americans are some of the world’s most voracious meat eaters. Per capita, Americans eat an average of 60 lb. of red meat each year, and there’s no sign of us slowing down. However, one adversary is starting to have in impact on our red meat consumption: the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. A bite from this tick can cause a person to develop an allergy to alpha-gal, a carbohydrate present in the flesh 0f non-primate mammals, resulting in a condition called alpha-gal syndrome.
This syndrome results in symptoms that typically appear anywhere from two to six hours after eating red meat or related mammal products. Some of them include:
- Diarrhea
- Reduced blood pressure
- Nausea
- Hives
- Heartburn
- Trouble breathing
It was only in 2011 that alpha-gal was linked to tick bites. Since then, around 110,000 cases have been recorded. However, more recent research suggests that the true number of cases could be closer to 450,000. If this number is correct, then alpha-gal syndrome would be the 10th most widespread food-based allergy in the US. The higher estimate seems to be in lockstep with increasing rates of other tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease.
Tick populations are increasing in the US as a result of warmer weather (driven by climate change), reforestation due to reductions in farming, and an increased deer population, which are a popular host for ticks.
The syndrome isn’t necessarily permanent and can be managed through the avoidance of red meat and mammal products, but the allergic reaction provoked by alpha-gal can approach the level of life-threatening anaphylaxis. Patients are recommended to have an epi-pen with them in case of emergencies.
The CDC still has some trouble tracking alpha-gal, and cases seem to be locally prevalent in certain regions, and it isn’t clear why. While the south has the most lone star ticks, Bedford County, Virginia and Suffolk County, New York appear to have the highest number of possible cases.
In the healthcare field, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome remains low. A recent survey found that 42% of health professionals had never heard of the syndrome.
With no cure or treatment available, the only way to avoid this disease is the prevention of tick bites. When entering areas that may harbor ticks, wearing bug repellent, long pants, and socks can help reduce the chance of a tick bite. A shower and a thorough self-check for ticks once back indoors is also strongly recommended.
For patients already living with alpha-gal syndrome, avoiding additional tick bites can reduce the duration of symptoms and allow them to recede over time.
