05/06/2026
Tick season is here and it’s already hitting harder than usual. According to the CDC, ER visits for tick bites are higher than normal across most of the country, reaching the highest levels for this time of year since 2017. But beyond the immediate bite, there’s a lesser-known risk that more people need to understand: alpha-gal syndrome.
"Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious and poorly understood food allergy that can develop after a tick bite. In some people, the bite triggers an immune response to alpha-gal, a carbohydrate found in mammalian-derived products. These include meats such as beef, pork, mutton as well as gelatin, bouillon, dairy products and even ingredients in some medications. AGS can be challenging to diagnose because reactions may appear hours after eating, making it difficult to identify the cause.
We’re working to raise awareness of alpha-gal syndrome because many people report living with this disease for months before receiving a proper diagnosis. A 2022 CDC report found that nearly half of healthcare providers are unaware of this syndrome. It’s critical that we bridge this awareness gap so individuals and families can get the care and support they need." - Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE
Prevention matters. Wear insect repellent, check for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any attached ticks as quickly as possible. Awareness is just as critical, because when it comes to alpha-gal syndrome, delayed reactions and low recognition can leave people searching for answers for far too long.
Learn more about alpha-gal syndrome here: https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/alpha-gal-syndrome