It's common knowledge that ticks can spread infections that cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. Now health officials are trying to raise awareness of a lesser-known problem: alpha-gal syndrome, a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites.
Alpha-gal syndrome was first linked to a particular species of ticks about 15 years ago. But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and -- in some cases -- dairy. The allergy doesn't impact consumption of seafood or poultry. Chicken, turkey, and eggs are all OK to eat.
For years, the standard treatment has involved avoiding foods that come from cows, pigs, and lambs while carrying an epinephrine injector in case of medical emergency. But regulators recently approved the first drug for the condition, and more therapies may be on the way.
Here's what to know about alpha-gal syndrome:
What Causes It?
