SHOCKING cause of Deadly Meat Allergy: Medical Mystery Solved!
Cause: Lone star tick bites can trigger AGS. These ticks are prevalent in the southeastern US but their range is expanding.
Allergen: The tick bite transmits a sugar molecule (alpha-gal) that sensitizes some people to red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and sometimes other mammalian meats.
Symptoms: AGS can cause a severe allergic reaction similar to anaphylaxis after consuming red meat. Symptoms include hives, swelling, nausea, trouble breathing, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
Not Contagious: It’s important to remember AGS is not contagious. You cannot get it from someone with the allergy.
Here are some resources for further information:
CDC: Emerging Tick Bite-Associated Meat Allergy Potentially Affects Thousands CDC on Alpha-Gal Syndrome: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7230a1.htm)
Meat Allergy – ACAAI Public Website(https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0727-emerging-tick-bites.html)