Climate Change Drives Increase in Lone Star Tick Meat Allergies

By Kate Wei,

Outreach Columnist; The Lawrenceville School, NJ

Though a tick bite often goes unnoticed, it can trigger a stealthy process that turns red meat—once a staple of the diet—into a potentially dangerous allergen. Imagine enjoying a meal of beef or pork, only to wake up in the middle of the night with hives, nausea, or even anaphylaxis. For an estimated 450,000 Americans who get infected with Lone star tick allergy in their lifetime, this isn't a case of food poisoning, but the strange reality of a tick-borne allergy. 

Lone star tick allergy, also known as alpha-gal syndrome, is an allergic reaction caused by the bite of a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). The condition is most prevalent in the contiguous region spanning the southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic U.S, with sensitization rates exceeding 35% in certain endemic areas. However, due to increasing temperatures caused by climate change, the number has been increasing exponentially since 2010, and is projected to continue doing so.

The process begins when a lone star tick bites. In its saliva is a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (short for galactose-α-1,3-galactose). When this enters the human body, the immune system treats it as a threat. Special white blood cells signal B-cells to make antibodies called IgE that specifically target alpha-gal. 

Later, when a sensitized person consumes red meat, fat molecules containing alpha-gal are released into the bloodstream hours after ingestion. The molecules bind to the IgE antibodies, leading the immune cells to release histamine and other substances. In other words, the molecules “teach” the body to see alpha-gal as dangerous, so when it appears in food that the person later consumes, the immune system overreacts. The allergic reaction may result in hives, stomach pain, or life-threatening anaphylaxis, an extreme shock caused by the immune system’s release of chemicals. Additionally, research indicates that repeated bites can exacerbate symptoms, as the immune system continues to produce more IgE antibodies over time.

What makes this allergy especially dangerous is that alpha-gal is not only found in beef, pork, or lamb, but also in products such as toothpaste and certain medicines. 74% of the 100 most commonly prescribed medications contain components such as gelatin, magnesium stearate, or lactose, which may carry alpha-gal. According to a 2023 survey of 559 AGS patients, 92% had to change medications due to reactions, 75% reported adverse effects, and 50% experienced anaphylaxis.

There’s no treatment other than avoiding red meat and other products containing alpha-gal. The best prevention is to avoid tick bites in the first place by using EPA-registered repellents, covering skin and tucking pants into socks when hiking, and avoiding tall grass. After spending time in nature, a full-body shower and tick check can help locate ticks for early removal before they bite. 

Lone Star Ticks thrive in warmer weather, which means that due to climate change, their population density and territory have expanded to be bigger than ever. Due to the increasing prevalence of this disease, scientists are studying tick saliva in hopes of creating vaccines or treatments to block the allergy. Ecologists recommend controlling deer populations and managing habitats, such as clearing brush where ticks thrive. Public health experts stress prevention. Most importantly, making an effort to slow climate change itself will help keep tick ranges from spreading even farther.

Alpha-gal syndrome may sound strange, but its spread tells a larger story. Climate change is reshaping ecosystems, and with it, human health. From now on, protecting our climate means also protecting our livelihood from risks we have never faced before.

Works cited

CDC. “About Alpha-Gal Syndrome.” Alpha-Gal Syndrome, 26 June 2025, www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html

‌CDC. “Lone Star Tick Surveillance.” Ticks, 12 June 2024, www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/lone-star-tick-surveillance.html.

“Feature | the Overlooked Cardiac Implications of Alpha-Gal Syndrome - American College of Cardiology.” American College of Cardiology, 2025, www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2025/07/01/01/Feature-The-Overlooked-Cardiac-Implications-of-Alpha-Gal-Syndrome.

Mayo Clinic. “Alpha-Gal Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608.

Román-Carrasco, Patricia, et al. “The α-Gal Syndrome and Potential Mechanisms.” Frontiers in Allergy, vol. 2, 2021, p. 783279, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35386980/, https://doi.org/10.3389/falgy.2021.783279.