What is alpha-gal syndrome? Know the signs, prevention of emerging condition
Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging food allergy caused by tick bites that sensitizes individuals to a sugar found in mammalian meat. Symptoms can be severe and are often delayed, making the condition difficult to diagnose.
Why it matters
As an emerging condition, increased awareness is vital for public health, particularly for those living in areas with high tick populations.
There’s a type of food allergy you might not expect because it doesn’t come from foods like peanuts, dairy, wheat or soy -- it actually comes from tick bites.
Imagine this: A burger is cooked the way you like. Next, your body is in full revolt with hives, nausea and vomiting.
You think it’s the food. Could it be the bug bite you overlooked from earlier in the day?
It’s called alpha-gal syndrome, and health experts say it’s an emerging condition that is still not fully understood.
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