Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)

Have you ever heard of developing an allergy to red meat after a tick bite? If so, it’s known as Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS. AGS is a serious and potentially life‑threatening allergy to a molecule called alpha‑gal that can develop after a tick bite.

Alpha‑gal is found in most mammals, such as cows and pigs, but not in people. For people with AGS, eating red meat or coming into contact with products that contain alpha‑gal can trigger an allergic reaction.

People who spend more time outdoors, like hunters and farmers, are at higher risk for tick bites.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be different for different people. They can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms happen about 2-6 hours after eating meat, dairy, or mammal byproducts. Common symptoms include:

  • Hives or itchy rash

  • Stomach problems (stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea)

  • Heartburn or indigestion

  • Drop in blood pressure

  • Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids

  • Breathing problems

getting diagnosed with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)

To get diagnosed with AGS, your doctor will typically:

  • Look at your medical history

  • Do a physical exam

  • Take blood and tun tests

  • Watch for reactions to mammal meat foods and products

How many people have AGS?

There are more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS between 2010 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s hard to know the exact number of AGS because it’s not a nationally notifiable disease. The true number is likely much higher. More research and data is needed.

Preventing AGS

To prevent AGS you should prevent tick bites. If you have AGS, you should try to avoid being bitten again. Most tick bites happen from April to September, but they can happen anytime. To avoid ticks:

  • Stay away from grassy, brushy, and wooded areas

  • Walk in the middle of hiking trails

  • Wear light colored clothes so it’s easy to spot ticks

  • Tuck your pant legs into your socks

  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents

  • Treat your clothes and gear with permethrin

Always check you clothes, skin, and gear for ticks after being outside. Take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you can.

If you find a tick, remove it right away.

More information about alpha-gal syndrome (ags) from university of missouri extension

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

University of Missouri Extension

Sarah Valenza