Alpha-gal Syndrome | Ticks | CDC

What is alpha-gal?

• Alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals.
• Alpha-gal is not found in fish, reptiles, birds, or people.
• Alpha-gal can be found in meat (pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison, etc.) and products made from mammals (including gelatin, cow’s milk, and milk products).

What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition. AGS is also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy. AGS is not caused by an infection. AGS symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing alpha-gal.

A CDC report showed that between 2010 and 2022, more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS were identified. However, cases of AGS are not nationally notifiable to CDC, so it is not known how many cases of AGS exist in the United States. Additional data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition.

What are the symptoms of AGS?

AGS can be severe, and even life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.

Can I get AGS from a tick bite?

Alpha-gal syndrome is primarily associated with lone star tick (shown here), but other kinds of ticks have not been ruled out.

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• Yes, AGS is associated with tick bites. Evidence suggests that AGS is primarily associated with the bite of a lone star tick in the United States, but other kinds of ticks have not been ruled out. Other tick species have been connected with the development of AGS in other countries.
• More research is needed to understand the role ticks play in starting this condition, and why certain people develop AGS.

How do I know if I have AGS?

• AGS is diagnosed by an allergist or other healthcare provider through a detailed patient history, physical examination, and a blood test that looks for specific antibodies (proteins made by your immune system) to alpha-gal.
• Your healthcare provider may also recommend allergy skin testing.

What should I do if I have AGS?

• AGS should be managed under the care of an allergist or other healthcare provider.
• Many foods and products contain alpha-gal. You will need to work with your healthcare provider to understand which products you need to avoid.
• Prevent tick bites. New tick bites may reactivate allergic reactions to alpha-gal.

I have AGS, what foods and products do I need to avoid?

• Not all patients with AGS have reactions to every ingredient containing alpha-gal.

• Most healthcare providers recommend patients with AGS stop eating mammalian meat (such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, etc.).
• Depending on your sensitivity and the severity of your allergic reaction, your healthcare provider may also suggest you avoid other foods and ingredients which may contain alpha-gal (such as cow’s milk, milk-products, and gelatin).
• Read food product labels carefully.
• Although very rare, some people with severe AGS may react to ingredients in certain vaccines or medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new medication or receiving a vaccine.

Who gets AGS?

Anyone can get AGS.

• Most reported cases of AGS in the United States are among people living in the South, East, and Central United States.
• While people in all age groups can develop AGS, most cases have been reported in adults.

What can I do to prevent AGS?

 

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Preventing tick bites is important and may reduce your chances of developing AGS.

• After you come indoors
  • Check your clothing for ticks.
  • Examine gear and pets for ticks.
  • Shower and perform a thorough tick check.
• If you see an attached tick, remove it immediately.
• Take steps to prevent ticks on your pets and in your yard.

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