The condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome or red meat allergy, is triggered when a tick injects a sugar molecule found in its saliva into a person’s bloodstream. The allergic reaction can be further exacerbated by consuming red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, as meat also contains the sugar molecule known as alpha-gal. Experts attribute the rise in tick-related diseases to longer summers, rising temperatures, and the expansion of tick species like the lone star tick across a larger geographic area. Increased patient awareness and the expanding range of the lone star tick are believed to contribute to the growing number of diagnosed cases. By raising awareness and improving diagnosis and treatment options, authorities hope to mitigate the impact of alpha-gal syndrome on public health.

Source: Washington Post July 31, 2023 02:00 UTC