Alpha-gal Syndrome

ABOUT

Alpha-gal Syndrome, also known as red meat allergy, is an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal for short) found in non-primate mammalian meat and mammalian products (ex. tallow, leather, dairy, gelatin, etc.). A person becomes sensitized to alpha-gal after being bitten by a Lone Star tick that injects its saliva into the patient.

COMMUNITY

• CDC: General Information about Alpha-gal Syndrome
• Alpha-gal Syndrome FAQ for the General Public

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Healthcare providers report cases to the West Virginia Department of Health within one week. 

• Alpha-gal Syndrome Reporting form
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome Resources for Healthcare Providers
• CDC: Clinical Resources

Healthcare providers are encouraged to inform and educate patients about tick bites and Alpha-gal Syndrome.

• CDC: Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Alpha-gal Syndrome
• Trainings with CEUs​

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT 

• Alpha-gal Syndrome Surveillance and Investigation Protocol​
• Case Definition

RESOURCES

• Alpha-gal Syndrome Fact Sheet
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome Resources for Patients
• Tick Infection Prevention Checklist (We are working on it)
• Tickborne Disease Prevention for Outdoor Recreationalists
• Arkansas Dept. of Health: Preventing Tick Bites
• Tick Identification
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome Information Sheet
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome after Ixodes scapularis Tick Bite and Statewide Surveillance, Maine, USA, 2014–2023

TESTING

• CDC: Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Alpha-gal Syndrome

DATA AND SURVEILLANCE

• Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases in the United States, 2017-2022 
• West Virginia Tick Surveillance Report, 2020