Man dies in first known fatality from tick-borne meat allergy

The dying of a New Jersey man is the primary identified to be linked to a tick-borne meat allergy, based on researchers at UVAHealth in Virginia.

The unidentified man, 47, reportedly died final summer time, 4 hours after consuming a hamburger and simply two weeks after an analogous steak-induced episode.

Throughout the summer time episode, the person developed extreme belly ache, diarrhea and vomiting after consuming the steak, based on a UVAHealth information launch.

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The incident was initially reported as “sudden unexplained dying” till Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills of UVA Well being decided that the person had a deadly allergic response.

The findings have been printed in The Journal of Allergy and Medical Immunology: In Apply.

The dying of a New Jersey man is the primary identified to be linked to a tick-borne meat allergy, based on researchers at UVAHealth in Virginia. (iStock)

The allergy, alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) — also referred to as “pink meat allergy” or the “tick chunk meat allergy” — is brought on by the chunk of the Lone Star tick, which is discovered primarily within the southeastern and jap states, based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

The tick’s saliva accommodates a sugar molecule referred to as alpha-gal, which is injected into the physique with the chunk. This causes allergic reactions to sure species pink meat (primarily pork, beef, rabbit, lamb or recreation) or merchandise produced from mammals (together with cheese, milk, different dairy merchandise and gelatin).

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When individuals eat meals containing the allergens, they will expertise extreme allergic signs inside a number of hours, though some could have solely delicate reactions.

Signs could embrace rash, nausea and vomiting after consuming beef, pork or lamb, based on researchers. Some may endure from it itchy or flaky pores and skin; swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat; and wheezing or shortness of breath, based on Mayo Clinic.

The allergy, alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) – also referred to as ‘pink meat allergy’ or the ‘tick chunk meat allergy’ – is brought on by the chunk of the Lone Star tick. (iStock)

Though deadly anaphylaxis is taken into account a uncommon danger in extreme instances, the New Jersey man’s dying was the primary attributed to the allergy.

Different components that Platts-Mills mentioned could have contributed to his extreme response embrace a beer he drank along with his hamburger, his publicity to ragweed pollen and up to date train.

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“The essential info for the general public is: first, that extreme belly ache occurring three to 5 hours after consuming beef, pork or lamb must be investigated as a doable episode of anaphylaxis; and second, that tick bites that itch for greater than per week or tick larvae, typically referred to as ‘chiggers,’ may cause or enhance sensitization to mammalian meat,” Platts-Mills, former Chief of the Bronchial asthma, Allergy and Medical Illnesses from UVA Well being. Immunology, mentioned within the launch.

“However, most individuals with delicate to reasonable episodes of hives can management signs with an applicable food plan.”

The tick’s saliva accommodates a sugar molecule referred to as alpha-gal, which is injected into the physique with the chunk. This causes allergic reactions to sure varieties of pink meat. (iStock)

A analysis of AGS requires antibody testing and a medical examination. Many sufferers take a protracted highway to analysis — a median of seven years, based on Dr. Johanna Salzer, CDC epidemiologist and writer of a 2023 report on AGS.

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“And to get recognized, they should have entry to an allergist,” Salzer beforehand advised Fox Information Digital. “For many individuals, there are obstacles to getting that degree of therapy.”

When somebody is recognized with AGS, that individual can endure from it for a lifetime.

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“Nevertheless, in some individuals, antibody ranges could drop over time in the event that they eradicate meals from their food plan that may reactivate alpha-gal syndrome,” the knowledgeable mentioned.

There is no such thing as a therapy or remedy for AGS, though docs will help sufferers handle their signs.

When individuals eat meals containing the allergens, they will expertise extreme allergic signs inside a number of hours, though some could have solely delicate reactions. (iStock)

“There are a selection of issues [that] healthcare suppliers can alleviate signs relying on the affected person’s particular person responses,” Salzer mentioned.

“These with extra extreme reactions are given EpiPens in case they go into anaphylactic shock.”

Prevention suggestions

To guard towards tick bites, Salzer recommends utilizing EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone when coming into an space the place tick bites are doable.

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Carrying long-sleeved shirts, lengthy pants and socks and avoiding grassy, ​​brushy and wooded areas can even assist forestall bites.

“If you’re coming back from an space the place ticks are identified to be current, be sure to bathe and do a really thorough test,” Salzer suggested.

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Platts-Mills urged docs and sufferers who dwell in areas the place Lone Star ticks are widespread to concentrate on the danger.

“Extra particularly, if they’ve sudden episodes of extreme belly ache that happen a number of hours after consuming mammalian meat, they need to be examined for doable sensitization to the oligosaccharide alpha-gal,” he added.

Fox Information Digital reached out to investigators for remark.