What to know about alpha-gal syndrome as cases of life-threatening meat allergy spike (opens original article in a new tab)

Health officials warn of a rising incidence of alpha-gal syndrome, a severe meat allergy caused by tick bites, with new treatments approved and increased awareness driving more diagnoses.

• Alpha-gal syndrome is a life-threatening meat allergy caused by tick bites, leading to allergic reactions after consuming mammal meat or dairy.
• The condition is linked to the lone star tick, whose expanding habitat range has increased cases in the U.S.
• A new FDA-approved drug, Xolair, helps reduce severe allergic reactions but does not cure the syndrome.
• Cases are rising due to increased awareness and the spread of the primary tick vector.