BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A bite from a lone star tick can do more than leave an itchy mark. It can trigger a serious allergy that makes red meat, dairy and even some processed foods dangerous.
Registered nurse Lakean Meade of the Martin County Health Department spoke recently to Kiwanis Club members about alpha-gal syndrome, also known as AGS or red meat allergy.
The CDC describes AGS as a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy and tick-borne disease that can develop after a tick bite.
“Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, but it’s something that ticks also carry,” Meade said. “When they bite and latch on, they release alpha-gal into the bloodstream and the body gets sensitized. Then when you are exposed to it again, eating red meat, you get an allergic reaction.”
Alpha-gal is present in mammals such as cows, pigs, sheep and deer, but not in fish or poultry. The CDC says mammal meat, organ meat, gelatin, lard, tallow, broth, stock, gravy, some dairy products and some medications may contain alpha-gal. Many patients can tolerate milk products, but sensitivity varies.
“So if you do get alpha-gal, these are what you can eat safely,” Meade said of fish and poultry. “It is found in beef, pork, lamb and sometimes in dairy products like butter, milk, ice cream and things like that.”
Meade said the lone star tick is responsible for most AGS cases.
“It’s very common in the southeastern United States and the Appalachian region but cases are increasing all over the United States,” she said.
One reason AGS can be difficult to identify is the delayed reaction. Symptoms often appear hours after exposure rather than immediately.
“People will eat dinner, have a steak, a burger, they’ll go to bed and then wake up sick,” Meade said. “So they’re not really connecting that it’s from what they ate the night before. It’s not immediate like a peanut allergy or shellfish allergy. Symptoms can occur overnight making it much harder to identify.”
Symptoms can include hives, itchy rash, swelling of the lips, face or throat, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
“Anytime you have swelling in your facial area, your lips, tongue, you should go to the emergency room just to be safe,” Meade said.
She said hidden sources can catch people by surprise.
“Foods that may trigger a reaction are beef, pork, lamb, venison, organ meats and dairy products,” Meade said. “Hidden sources of alpha gal include gelatin, which is like gummies, marshmallows, some medications and gel capsules. People know not to eat steak or hamburger, but they don’t think about gummies or their gel-capsule Advil. It’s in a lot of processed foods as well.”
Diagnosing AGS requires a blood test for antibodies, a detailed patient history and a physical examination.
“If you get a tick bite or even find a tick on you, you want to be sure to let your primary care provider know,” Meade said.
People with AGS may have different levels of sensitivity and should prepare for accidental exposure.
“If you’re prescribed an EpiPen, you want to be sure to carry that with you just in case you’re exposed to something you weren’t aware of and have an anaphylactic reaction,” Meade said.
In some cases, sensitivity may decrease over time, especially if further tick bites are avoided. Meade urged residents to use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves, boots and long pants outdoors, check frequently for ticks and shower immediately after being outside.
To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up. Then cleanse the area with soap and water.
Living with AGS means reading labels and asking questions.
“You want to watch for words like lard, beef broth, stock, glycerin,” Meade said. “Ask about ingredients when you’re eating out, educate family and friends. Plan meals ahead so you know what’s in them. You can research, look at your ingredients and know what you’re putting into your body.”
For more information, Meade recommends visiting the CDC’s alpha-gal syndrome page at cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html, alphagalinformation.org, contacting the Martin County Health Department or speaking with a health care provider.
“A lot of health care providers are still learning about it,” Meade said.
The Martin County Health Department is starting an AGS support group that will meet the first Thursday of each month. Call 606-298-7752 for more information.
Meade also reminded Kiwanians that the health department, in partnership with ARH, conducts Diabetes Connection on the last Thursday of each month. Call 606-789-3511 ext. 1229 for more information.