For years, the lone star tick was blamed for a mysterious condition called alpha-gal syndrome—a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat. But two new cases suggest that other U.S. ticks may also be culprits.
Take Cathy Raley’s story. After a tick bite in Washington state, she began suffering from severe allergic reactions, including throat swelling and hives. Doctors were baffled—until one allergist made the connection: alpha-gal syndrome. But there was a catch. Lone star ticks don’t live in Washington.
Recent research published in Emerging Infectious Diseases reveals that two other ticks, the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), may also trigger this allergy. Both are widespread in the U.S., meaning far more people may be at risk than previously believed.
Alpha-gal syndrome is caused by a sugar molecule (alpha-gal) found in the saliva of some ticks. Once bitten, your immune system may become sensitized. The next time you eat red meat—beef, pork, or lamb—you could experience anything from stomach pain to full-blown anaphylaxis. The symptoms are often delayed by hours, making the condition especially hard to diagnose.
“There are large gaps in provider awareness,” says CDC epidemiologist Johanna Salzer. A 2023 survey found 42% of healthcare workers had never heard of alpha-gal syndrome.
There is no cure, but some people regain their tolerance over time. Until then, prevention is key. Experts urge everyone to avoid tick bites by wearing protective clothing, staying on trails, and using natural repellents like oil of lemon eucalyptus.
And remember: unlike Lyme disease, any tick bite could spark alpha-gal syndrome—even if the tick is removed quickly. Stay alert. This is one allergy you don’t want to discover the hard way.
