Alpha gal syndrome (AGS) – Important Points
- Alpha gal syndrome (AGS) is not a disease, but an
allergic reaction triggered by a tick bite.
- In the US, most cases are caused by lone star ticks,
who have a molecule called alpha galactose in their saliva (spit). It
enters a person’s blood while the tick is feeding.
- Some people who are bitten by lone star ticks later
develop an allergy to foods containing alpha galactose, like red meat and dairy.
- Not everyone who is bitten will develop the allergy,
and it is unclear why some people develop it and not others.
- It can take weeks to months AFTER a tick bite to
start showing symptoms of AGS.
If you have been bitten by a lone star tick but have no AGS
symptoms, there is currently no recommendation to avoid meat products as a
precaution. However, you should:
- Monitor for allergy symptoms (including hives, itching, nausea, difficulty breathing) beginning 2-6 hours after consuming red meat or dairy.
- Continue to avoid tick bites.
- If you develop symptoms of AGS, visit a
healthcare provider. If the symptoms are severe or life-threatening, seek
emergency care.
For more information, visit:
Alpha-gal
Syndrome (CDC)
Alpha-gal brochure (NJ Department of Health)