New research from the University of Virginia has confirmed the first recorded death in the United States linked to Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to red meat. The case involved a healthy 47-year-old man from New Jersey who collapsed after attending a backyard cookout, sparking a mystery that left friends and family searching for answers.
Experts warn that the rising tick population means increased risks for outdoor enthusiasts and beyond. Doctors at UVA traced the man’s death to Alpha-Gal Syndrome, which is triggered by the bite of a Lone Star tick. Just 37 minutes after consuming a hamburger, he was found unresponsive, and blood tests revealed an alarming level of tryptase—an enzyme released during allergic reactions—of 2000. This level significantly exceeds the highest previously recorded tryptase in a survivor, which was 90.
Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, a leading researcher and director of the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at UVA’s School of Medicine, highlighted the need for awareness regarding the warning signs of this severe condition. Symptoms like intense stomach pain that occurs three to five hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb should be treated as an urgent medical emergency.
In light of this alarming revelation, individuals like Nanci Bell, diagnosed with Alpha-Gal in 2023, emphasize the importance of awareness and treatment options. Bell successfully underwent SAAT treatment and is now in remission, but she expressed concern about the lack of understanding surrounding this allergy.
Dr. Cheryl Hanly, a chiropractor experienced in treating Alpha-Gal patients, noted that misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment could lead to fatalities. She stressed the importance of patients finding SAAT-certified practitioners who are trained in the protocol, ensuring they receive appropriate care.
Those diagnosed with Alpha-Gal are cautioned to avoid red meat indefinitely, even after achieving remission. The allergy can be triggered not only by food but also by exposure to grill fumes and animal-derived products, such as pet food or cosmetics. For those managing the allergy, opting for clean grass-fed beef may be a safer dietary choice.
Researchers at UVA anticipate an increase in Alpha-Gal cases across the nation and strongly encourage individuals experiencing unusual reactions after consuming red meat to seek testing from qualified healthcare providers familiar with the allergy. As awareness grows, it is hoped that more individuals will receive timely diagnoses and appropriate interventions, ultimately saving lives.