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Alpha-Gal Syndrome Cases Rise 100-Fold Since 2013 as Lone Star Tick Habitat Expands North
Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an allergy triggered by tick bites, has increased roughly 100-fold since 2013. The condition causes reactions to mammal products including meat. No evidence links any specific individual to the rise.
May 24, 11:46 AM·1m read2 sources
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome cases have increased approximately 100-fold since 2013. The condition produces an allergy to mammal-derived products after a lone-star tick bite.
The rise has prompted discussion on social media and podcasts. Individuals who develop the syndrome must avoid beef, pork, dairy and other mammal products. Ranchers have reported finding clusters of ticks on their property. One close acquaintance of Joe Rogan developed the allergy after a bite.
A few weeks ago Joe Rogan hosted Rep.
Tim Burchett on his podcast. The two discussed the increase and possible explanations. Burchett raised questions about the source of the surge. He stated, “Who’s got genetically made meat now? ” No evidence presented in the discussion connects any named individual to the spread of the syndrome.
Syndrome is caused by a carbohydrate introduced through certain tick bites. Symptoms can appear hours after consuming affected products. Public health data show the condition was rare before 2013. Researchers continue to track geographic expansion of the lone-star tick population.
