In a recent government report released on Thursday, it has been revealed that over 100,000 individuals in the United States have developed an unusual red meat allergy since 2010, triggered by tick bites. Shockingly, health officials believe that there are many more cases of this condition that remain undiagnosed.
Another research report suggests that the number of Americans affected by this allergy could be as high as 450,000. This would rank it as the 10th most common food allergy in the country, as stated by Dr. Scott Commins, a researcher from the University of North Carolina, who co-authored both papers published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although no confirmed deaths have been linked to this allergy so far, those who suffer from it describe their experience as bewildering and terrifying.
“I never connected it with any food because it was hours after eating,” revealed Bernadine Heller-Greenman, one of the patients affected by the condition.
This particular allergic reaction is known as alpha-gal syndrome, which occurs when an infected individual consumes meat from mammals like beef, pork, venison, or other mammal products like milk and gelatin.
The cause of this syndrome is not a germ, but rather a sugar called alpha-gal, which is present in mammal meat and also in the saliva of ticks. When the sugar enters the body through the skin, it triggers an immune response and can lead to severe allergic reactions.
Initially, scientists observed similar reactions in patients taking a cancer drug produced using mouse cells containing the alpha-gal sugar. However, in 2011, researchers discovered that it could also spread through tick bites.
The lone star tick, despite its Texas-themed name, is most commonly found in the eastern and southern regions of the United States. Interestingly, about 4% of all cases in the U.S. have been reported on the eastern end of New York’s Long Island.
One of the studies released on Thursday analyzed test results from 2017 to 2022, conducted by the main U.S. commercial lab to detect alpha-gal antibodies. The study noted a rise in the number of people testing positive, increasing from approximately 13,000 in 2017 to 19,000 in 2022.
Experts believe that the increase in cases may be attributed to various factors. This includes the expanding range of lone star ticks, which means more people coming into contact with them, as well as greater awareness among doctors leading to more tests being ordered.
However, there is still a significant knowledge gap among many healthcare professionals. The second study, conducted last year, surveyed 1,500 U.S. primary care doctors and health professionals. Surprisingly, nearly half of them had never heard of alpha-gal syndrome, and only 5% felt very confident in their ability to diagnose it. Using this information, researchers estimated that around 450,000 people may have the allergy.
People with alpha-gal syndrome can experience a range of symptoms, including hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids. Unlike some other food allergies, the reactions in this case can occur several hours after eating the trigger food.
Indeed, some patients may experience only stomach-related symptoms, and the American Gastroenterological Association recommends that individuals with unexplained diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain should be tested for alpha-gal syndrome.
For those diagnosed with the allergy, doctors advise making significant changes to their diet, carrying epinephrine (commonly known as an EpiPen) for emergency treatment, and taking preventive measures to avoid tick bites.
It is worth noting that the allergy can diminish over time in certain individuals. According to Dr. Scott Commins, this remission has been observed in approximately 15% to 20% of his patients. However, a crucial aspect of managing the condition is to prevent getting re-bitten by ticks, as these bites can perpetuate the allergy and its symptoms.
By being cautious and proactive in avoiding tick exposure, patients can potentially improve their condition and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Among Dr. Scott Commins’ patients is Bernadine Heller-Greenman, a 78-year-old art historian from New York who spends her summers on Martha’s Vineyard, an island known for tick exposure. Throughout her time there, she has unfortunately contracted Lyme disease four times due to tick bites.
Around five years ago, Heller-Greenman began experiencing severe and itchy hives on her back, torso, and thighs during the night. Despite consulting with her doctors, they couldn’t identify the exact trigger behind her allergic reaction.
Then, in January 2020, she had a hamburger one day and a fatty steak the following evening. Approximately six hours after eating the steak, she woke up feeling nauseated and subsequently experienced bouts of intense vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. The reaction was so severe that she passed out three times.
Shortly after this distressing incident, she received a diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome. Her doctors advised her to steer clear of ticks and to eliminate red meat and dairy products from her diet. Since following these recommendations, she hasn’t had any further allergic reactions.
Heller-Greenman is now meticulous about her food choices, reading food labels diligently, and avoiding anything that might trigger a reaction. She is grateful for her attentive grandchild, who keeps a watchful eye on her to ensure she stays safe and avoids potential allergens.
“I feel very fortunate, honestly, that things have turned out well for me,” she expressed. “It’s not always easy to find doctors who are familiar with this condition.”