Surge in Alpha-gal Syndrome: Key Facts on Tick-borne Allergy

WHO:

The Independent - Dr. Scott Commins, an alpha-gal syndrome researcher at the University of North Carolina.

AP News - Maria Diuk-Wasser, a Columbia University researcher who studies tick-borne diseases.

WHAT:

The Independent - Alpha-gal syndrome is a severe allergy to meat linked to tick bites.

AP News - Cases of alpha-gal syndrome are on the rise, with approximately 450,000 Americans estimated to have developed the allergy according to a 2023 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Independent - Symptoms include hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after consuming meat or dairy.

AP News - The FDA approved an injectable drug called Xolair for alpha-gal syndrome in 2024.

WHERE:

The Independent - The lone star tick, the primary source of alpha-gal syndrome, is most common in the eastern and southern U.S. and has been reported in the Great Lakes region and as far north as Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.

WHEN:

The Independent - Alpha-gal syndrome was first identified about 15 years ago.

AP News - The FDA approved the drug Xolair for alpha-gal syndrome in 2024.

WHY:

The Independent - Increased awareness among health professionals and the public is contributing to the rise in diagnoses of alpha-gal syndrome.

AP News - The expanding habitat range of the lone star tick is also a factor in the rising cases.

HOW:

The Independent - Alpha-gal syndrome occurs when the immune system triggers an allergic response to a type of sugar, known as alpha-gal, found in the meat of most mammals.

AP News - The allergy can develop weeks or months after a tick bite, with symptoms often increasing in severity over time.

The Independent - Diagnosis involves a blood test to detect alpha-gal antibodies, along with patient-reported symptoms and history of bug bites.

(UPDATED June 14, 2026 17:21 UTC)

Researchers Dr. Scott Commins from the University of North Carolina and Maria Diuk-Wasser from Columbia University are highlighting the rising cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a severe meat allergy linked to tick bites, which now affects an estimated 450,000 Americans according to a recent CDC study. Symptoms of this allergy, which can develop weeks or months after a tick bite, include hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after consuming meat or dairy, and diagnosis typically involves a blood test for alpha-gal antibodies. The FDA approved an injectable drug called Xolair for alpha-gal syndrome in 2024, as increased awareness and the expanding habitat of the lone star tick contribute to the growing number of diagnoses.