First Death Linked to Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Meat Allergy Spread by Ticks, Reported in New Jersey, Researchers Say
A tragic case of death linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) has been reported in New Jersey, marking the first documented instance of this potentially fatal meat allergy. The victim, a 47-year-old man, died after eating a hamburger at a barbecue two weeks after experiencing severe abdominal discomfort and vomiting on a camping trip with his family.
Researchers have confirmed that the man's death was linked to AGS, which is caused by an allergic reaction to alpha galactose, a carbohydrate found in red meat and dairy products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that AGS can cause hives, nausea, stomach pain, breathing issues, and swelling.
According to experts, the bite of a Lone Star tick can lead to the development of this allergy in some individuals. Researchers say that the man had gotten about a dozen bug bites around his ankles believed to be from Lone Star tick larvae earlier in the summer, which may have triggered his AGS reaction.
The wife of the deceased man reported that her husband initially experienced severe symptoms after eating beef steak on their camping trip, but did not seek medical attention. However, when he ate another hamburger at a barbecue two weeks later, he was found unconscious and died several hours later.
Experts are now calling for more public education about AGS, citing the increased presence of Lone Star ticks in northern states and the fact that abdominal pain is often overlooked as a possible symptom of an allergic reaction. "If they start noticing they're developing abdominal pain, rashes after eating red meat, they should talk to their physicians about the possibility that they've been sensitized to this specific carbohydrate within red meat," said Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center.
To avoid tick bites and the potentially fatal consequences of AGS, experts advise people who live in areas with common Lone Star ticks, such as New York and New Jersey, to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites. "With the changing seasons, the warming of our climate, these ticks are increasing in their numbers," Dr. Saggar warned.
A tragic case of death linked to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) has been reported in New Jersey, marking the first documented instance of this potentially fatal meat allergy. The victim, a 47-year-old man, died after eating a hamburger at a barbecue two weeks after experiencing severe abdominal discomfort and vomiting on a camping trip with his family.
Researchers have confirmed that the man's death was linked to AGS, which is caused by an allergic reaction to alpha galactose, a carbohydrate found in red meat and dairy products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that AGS can cause hives, nausea, stomach pain, breathing issues, and swelling.
According to experts, the bite of a Lone Star tick can lead to the development of this allergy in some individuals. Researchers say that the man had gotten about a dozen bug bites around his ankles believed to be from Lone Star tick larvae earlier in the summer, which may have triggered his AGS reaction.
The wife of the deceased man reported that her husband initially experienced severe symptoms after eating beef steak on their camping trip, but did not seek medical attention. However, when he ate another hamburger at a barbecue two weeks later, he was found unconscious and died several hours later.
Experts are now calling for more public education about AGS, citing the increased presence of Lone Star ticks in northern states and the fact that abdominal pain is often overlooked as a possible symptom of an allergic reaction. "If they start noticing they're developing abdominal pain, rashes after eating red meat, they should talk to their physicians about the possibility that they've been sensitized to this specific carbohydrate within red meat," said Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center.
To avoid tick bites and the potentially fatal consequences of AGS, experts advise people who live in areas with common Lone Star ticks, such as New York and New Jersey, to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites. "With the changing seasons, the warming of our climate, these ticks are increasing in their numbers," Dr. Saggar warned.
. I mean, we've always had food allergies and stuff, but this alpha-gal syndrome thing is a whole new level 
. Like, who knew ticks could give you an allergy to red meat? 
It just goes to show how crazy our world can get with all the weird connections between bugs and humans 
.
. It's like, abdominal pain isn't always taken seriously or anything 
. But at least now we're getting more education about it, which is a good thing 
.
. Like, I've heard they're mostly found in the south, but if you live in New York or something, you need to be careful too 
. Maybe people should just start carrying around bug spray and stuff whenever they go out for a barbecue 
. Just saying 
. experts are saying we need to educate ppl more about this so they know the signs (abdominal pain, rashes) so they dont eat that stuff before seeing a doc 
. climate change is bringing out all sorts of creepy crawlies so maybe take precautions if you live in areas with them, just sayin 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to risk a potentially fatal meat allergy after getting bitten by a tick? And let's be real, how many people actually get checked for bug bites before eating a hamburger? Like, it's not like you can just Google 'Lone Star tick symptoms' and be like "oh no, I have one of those" 
. But seriously, more public education about alpha-gal syndrome is probably a good idea, maybe we should start carrying around EpiPens at the beach too 
...
is just crazy. And you know what's even more infuriating? People don't take their symptoms seriously enough when it comes to food allergies 
I mean, abdominal pain is often overlooked as a sign of an allergic reaction, but come on! It's like, if you're eating red meat and suddenly you start feeling awful, GET TO THE HOSPITAL NOW 
And what's with the Lone Star tick situation? Like, these ticks are everywhere now 
Anyway, I think it's super important that we're talking about this more, especially since it's becoming more common in areas like New Jersey and NY. We gotta spread the word so people can take precautions against tick bites and AGS! 
And, for real, who knew that our climate was having such a profound effect on these tiny creatures? 
. The fact that the guy didn't even seek medical attention after eating beef steak on his camping trip and then ended up dying from another hamburger two weeks later... it's just crazy 
.
. I've seen so many friends who have ignored those pesky rashes or stomach issues, thinking they were just minor bug bites or something entirely different... but nope, it turns out they had AGS the whole time 
.
. And for those of us living in areas with common Lone Star ticks, we need to be extra vigilant and take precautions 
.
and it's not just about getting a dozen bug bites around your ankles you have to be careful about where you get those tick bites or they might trigger your reaction 
just thinking about it is giving me the chills... so like this guy dies from eating a hamburger at a BBQ and its because of a meat allergy triggered by ticks?