Red Meat Allergy Caused by Ticks Poses 'Emerging Public Health Concern,' CDC Warns

CDC Warns of Emerging Red Meat Allergy from Tick Bites

Alpha-gal Syndrome Underdiagnosed, Healthcare Professionals Urged to Raise Awareness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding an "emerging public health concern" related to red meat allergy caused by tick bites. Two new studies reveal that Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat and products containing alpha-gal sugar, is vastly underdiagnosed, and healthcare professionals need to be better informed about the condition.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergic reaction, stems from the bite of the lone star tick, which transmits alpha-gal into the victim's system, triggering an immune response. The CDC reports that between 2010 and 2022, more than 110,000 AGS cases were identified, but the actual number could be as high as 450,000 due to underdiagnosis. Several factors contribute to underdiagnosis, such as the requirement for a specific test for diagnosis, limited awareness of AGS among healthcare providers, and some patients not seeking testing despite exhibiting symptoms.

Symptoms of AGS may include hives, itchiness, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and severe stomach pain, appearing two to six hours after consuming alpha-gal-containing products. Dr. Ann Carpenter, an epidemiologist and lead author of one of the CDC studies, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about AGS among clinicians for accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients.

One of the CDC studies surveyed 1,500 healthcare professionals, revealing that 42% were unaware of AGS, and only 5% felt confident in their ability to diagnose or manage AGS patients. The authors of the report stress the need for clearly defined guidelines to assist healthcare providers in dealing with AGS cases, particularly due to the rising number of cases.

Another study analyzed test data from 2017 to 2022, showing a significant increase in AGS cases since 2010. Over the five-year study period, approximately 357,000 tests were conducted, with around 90,000 returning positive results. The number of new cases grew by approximately 15,000 each year, predominantly in the Southern, Midwestern, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

Dr. Johanna Salzer, senior author of both CDC studies, highlights the potential substantial burden of AGS in the country, given the high percentage of undiagnosed cases. People experiencing AGS-like symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly, providing a detailed symptom history, undergoing a physical examination, and obtaining a blood test to detect alpha-gal-specific antibodies.

Alpha-gal syndrome caused by tick bites and leading to a red meat allergy has become a growing public health concern, with underdiagnosis posing a significant challenge. The CDC's latest studies call for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, along with the development of clear diagnostic and management guidelines to tackle this emerging condition effectively. Early detection and proper management are crucial in safeguarding public health and mitigating the long-term impacts of AGS.