A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died four hours after eating a hamburger, becoming the first known fatality linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a rare tick-borne meat allergy. Researchers at UVA Health confirmed that the man’s death was due to anaphylactic shock from the allergic reaction. The condition, known as ‘red-meat allergy,’ is triggered by the Lone Star tick, which injects a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the bloodstream during a bite. This leads to severe allergic reactions to red meat and animal-derived products.
The incident occurred last summer, with the man experiencing severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting just two weeks prior after eating steak. The death was initially reported as ‘sudden unexplained death’ until Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills of UVA Health identified the cause as a fatal allergic reaction. The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is caused by exposure to the Lone Star tick, which is commonly found in the Southeast and Eastern United States. The tick’s saliva contains alpha-gal, which triggers allergies to red meat and products made from mammals. Symptoms can range from mild rashes and nausea to severe anaphylaxis, and while fatalities are rare, the New Jersey man’s case marks the first recorded death linked to the allergy.
Other potential factors contributing to the man’s severe reaction included the beer he consumed with his burger, exposure to ragweed pollen, and recent physical activity. Dr. Platts-Mills emphasized the importance of investigating severe abdominal pain occurring three to five hours after eating red meat as a possible episode of anaphylaxis. He also noted that tick bites that itch for more than a week can increase the risk of developing the allergy.
Diagnosis of AGS typically requires antibody testing and a clinical evaluation, though many patients face delays in diagnosis, often taking an average of seven years to receive a proper diagnosis. Dr. Johanna Salzer, a CDC epidemiologist, highlighted the challenges patients face in accessing allergists for treatment, which can be a barrier to effective management. Once diagnosed, the condition is usually lifelong, though some individuals may see a reduction in symptoms if they eliminate red meat and mammalian products from their diet.
Currently, there is no cure or treatment for AGS, but physicians can help patients manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments and medications like EpiPens for emergency anaphylaxis. Preventative measures include using EPA-approved insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and thoroughly checking for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Researchers urge individuals in tick-prone regions to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience unexpected symptoms following red meat consumption.