A 47-year-old man in New Jersey died four hours after eating a hamburger, with researchers at UVA Health linking the death to alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne meat allergy. This incident marks the first known fatality associated with this condition, according to a press release from UVA Health. The man reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting after eating steak two weeks prior, raising concerns about alpha-gal syndrome, which is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick.
Alpha-gal syndrome, also known as ‘red-meat allergy,’ can lead to serious reactions, including anaphylaxis, after consuming red meat or products derived from mammals. Researchers warn that symptoms like severe abdominal pain occurring three to five hours after eating red meat should be investigated as potential episodes of anaphylaxis. The case highlights the need for awareness and prompt medical attention in cases involving tick bites and meat allergy symptoms.
Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, a researcher at UVA Health, determined that the man’s death was the result of a fatal allergic reaction, which had initially been reported as a ‘sudden unexplained death.’ The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Platts-Mills also noted that tick bites that itch for more than a week can ‘induce or increase sensitization to mammalian-derived meat,’ emphasizing the importance of vigilance in areas where Lone Star ticks are prevalent.
Despite the severity of the condition, there is no treatment or cure for alpha-gal syndrome, though physicians can help patients manage their symptoms. Dr. Johanna Salzer, a CDC epidemiologist and author of a 2023 report on AGS, noted that many patients face a long road to diagnosis, with an average of seven years to receive a correct diagnosis. Access to an allergist is crucial for diagnosis, which can be a barrier for many individuals. Once diagnosed, patients may have the condition for life, but some may see a reduction in symptoms over time if they avoid foods that can reactivate the allergy.
Platts-Mills urged doctors and patients in areas where Lone Star ticks are common to be aware of the risk. He emphasized the importance of investigating unexpected episodes of severe abdominal pain occurring several hours after eating mammalian meat for possible sensitization to alpha-gal. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with tick bites and the importance of seeking medical attention for any unusual symptoms following tick exposure.