About: An allergy to alpha-gal, a sugar found in beef, pork, lamb, and meats from most mammals. The allergy follows after a bite from a lone star tick (A. americanum). However, more research is needed to determine the exact causative agent and other potential ticks associated with alpha-gal syndrome.
Symptoms: Usually appear 2-6 hours after consuming red meat and can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. The allergy may not develop immediately after a tick bite and can take 3-6 months to develop after a tick bite.
Follow this link to view an extensive list of symptoms:
CDC: Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome
In Wisconsin: Research has found that people with suspected AGS were predominantly located in areas where the lone star tick is known to be established or reported (Thompson et al, 2023). In Wisconsin, we do not have an established population of lone star ticks, but there are established populations in states surrounding Wisconsin, so there is a potential for future establishment. If you found a lone star tick in the state of Wisconsin, submit it through the Department of Health Services tick identification services.
Read more about the lone star tick:
References
Thompson JM, Carpenter A, Kersh GJ, Wachs T, Commins SP, Salzer JS. Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — United States, January 2017–December 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:815–820. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7230a2