Tick Bite Can Trigger a Meat Allergy — First Confirmed U.S. Death Highlights Alpha‑Gal Risk

Tick bite linked to first confirmed U.S. death from alpha‑gal meat allergy

An autopsy reported this week in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology identified alpha‑gal syndrome (AGS) as the cause of death for a 47‑year‑old New Jersey airline pilot — the first documented U.S. fatality linked to this condition. AGS is a delayed allergic reaction to mammalian meat and some animal‑derived products that can develop after a tick bite.

How AGS develops

AGS typically occurs when a tick — most often the lone star tick — transfers a carbohydrate called alpha‑gal from its saliva into a person’s bloodstream. The immune system may then produce IgE antibodies against alpha‑gal, leading to allergic reactions that often appear several hours after eating mammal meat. Reactions can range from abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea to hives, respiratory symptoms and, rarely, life‑threatening anaphylaxis.

Scope and guidance

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 450,000 people may have AGS, though the true prevalence is uncertain because the condition is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. The CDC advises people with confirmed AGS to avoid red meats such as beef, pork, lamb, venison and rabbit, and to consider avoiding dairy or certain medications depending on individual tolerance and physician guidance.

Case details and patient experiences

In the recently reported fatal case, family members said the man experienced stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting after eating a steak; those symptoms recurred, but the connection to AGS was not recognized until postmortem testing. While fatalities are extremely rare, this report underscores that AGS can be serious.

“I can’t overstate how different this is from other allergies — reactions often show up hours later, and that delay makes them harder for others to see,” says Telaina Panzenhagen, who lives with AGS. “At first I thought it was food poisoning; later I discovered milk in coffee, vitamins in gel caps and some processed ingredients caused reactions.”

Panzenhagen describes initial episodes of severe abdominal pain roughly five hours after eating barbecue, followed by a second similar episode two days later. Testing took about two weeks, and in the interim she learned to identify and avoid triggers. Over time, many people find their sensitivity can lessen, though tolerance varies widely by individual.

Testing, management and when to seek care

• See a clinician or allergist: If you have repeated delayed reactions after eating mammal products or a history of tick bites, ask about testing for alpha‑gal antibodies.
• Avoidance and personalized plans: Work with healthcare providers and registered dietitians to create safe eating plans; some people tolerate certain dairy or processed foods while others must avoid them entirely.
• Be prepared for severe reactions: If you’ve had severe reactions, discuss emergency plans with your clinician — this may include an epinephrine auto‑injector and clear instructions for when to use it.
• Support and resources: Patient support groups and knowledgeable clinicians can help with meal planning and coping strategies.

While AGS remains underrecognized, awareness is growing. If you suspect AGS after tick exposure or repeated delayed reactions to mammal foods, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

Read the original report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and consult your clinician for personalized advice.