A recent study reveals that up to 30% of people in certain US regions may carry the alpha-gal antibody linked to tick-induced meat allergy, significantly higher than previous CDC estimates of 0.14%. This finding highlights a substantial portion of the population at potential risk for severe reactions to red meat and other mammalian products, despite most carriers not yet exhibiting symptoms.
Background
Alpha-gal syndrome is a condition where individuals develop an allergy to red meat and other mammalian products after being bitten by ticks, particularly the lone star tick. The reaction is delayed and can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 8, 2026 at 04:32 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10