Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Sounds like a science fiction term, or something associated with a superhero…a phrase you’d read in a novel or hear in a movie. But rest assured, AGS is very real. It’s a serious disease with lifetime consequences that is growing rapidly.

Identified less than 20 years ago, this condition is relatively new to the medical catalog. Back in 2007 doctors began noticing strange symptoms in patients treated with the cancer drug cetuximab. A short while later they realized the same symptoms were present in people who’d been bitten by ticks in the southeastern United States.

What causes alpha-gal syndrome?

Researchers found the culprit to be a particular sugar molecule (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose… alpha-gal for short). Alpha-gal molecules are present in almost all mammals except humans. As long as the molecule stays out of people there are no problems. Trouble begins when alpha-gal molecules enter a human body.

Researchers have determined ticks are the near-exclusive carrier of this disease. In the United States lone star ticks are responsible for almost 100% of transmission. This species is common in the eastern half of the U.S. and is particularly well-established in Oklahoma. (The name refers to a distinctive white spot found on the shell of each tick. You may remember reading about these critters in one of our earlier blogs.)

AGS infection has climbed steadily since the disorder was first documented. Researchers estimate that up to 450,000 people have contracted alpha-gal syndrome since records began being kept in 2007. A certain number of cases go unreported due to confusion with other illnesses or lack of severe reactions. However, over 15,000 new cases are confirmed annually. According to Vinay Jahagirdar, co-author of a recent report on the disease:

“Alpha-gal syndrome has gone from a medical curiosity to a major public health issue in just a decade. Our study shows this is not a localized problem anymore. We’re seeing cases far beyond the Southeast, including in the Northeast and Midwest. Alpha-gal syndrome has gone from a medical curiosity to a major public health issue in just a decade.” ¹

How the disease works –

– Ticks bite mammals (for example, cows or deer) and ingest alpha-gal molecules. 

– The same ticks then bite people, transferring alpha-gal molecules in their saliva. 

– Human immune systems recognize alpha-gal molecules as threats and respond by creating antibodies to combat them. 

– These antibodies stay active for a lifetime. AGS has no cure. From the point of infection forward, affected people who eat beef, pork, or consume dairy products will experience one or more of the following symptoms:

– Skin issues, such as hives, itching, eczema 

– Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn 

– Shortness of breath, facial swelling, dizziness, severe drop in blood pressure (through anaphylaxis)

– Death

A disturbing facet of alpha-gal syndrome is that most people don’t know they’ve contracted the disease until they develop symptoms much later. Victims often have no idea they’re infected until hours later when symptoms flare unexpectedly without clear cause. Consequently, you must seek emergency care at once if you experience associated symptoms.

An ounce of prevention…

Because this illness can’t be cured, you must consider prevention a top priority, especially when venturing into “tick territory.” 

The best way to avoid getting AGS is to make sure ticks don’t (or can’t) bite you. That means dressing right, being aware of your surroundings, using repellents, and cleaning yourself thoroughly after spending time in outdoor habitats.

In Oklahoma, prevention must be considered a year-round effort as lone star ticks do not enter a state of full dormancy during winter months. You are never completely safe from them and can be bitten on a mild winter day as easily as in the heat of July.

When going outdoors…

– Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toed shoes. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to block entry points. 

– Stick to cleared trails and avoid walking through tall grass, leaf litter, and brushy areas where ticks tend to live. Avoid sitting on logs.

– Apply repellant such as DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil to your skin. Permethrin can be used on clothes.

Back inside…

– Check your body, hair, and scalp carefully. Pay attention to behind ears, armpits, belly button, and groin. 

– Inspect children and pets for ticks. 

– Shower within two hours to remove any ticks you may have missed.

– Machine wash clothes and tumble dry on high heat to kill lingering ticks. 

Keep your surroundings tidy…

– Cut grass short (under 5 inches), trim bushes, and remove brush and leaf piles. 

– Install wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas. 

– Remove red cedar trees or keep the branches trimmed six to eight feet off the ground.

We’re here to help!

Central Oklahoma winters are often mild, meaning that lone start ticks and other creatures can still cause problems at your home or business. While most pest activity slows this time of year you may find yourself in need of professional pest control help. With decades of experience, we are capable of providing just the assistance you need. Contact us at (405) 679-8729 to learn just how affordable expert pest control can be!

^1. https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/vcu-researchers-find-explosive-rise-in-tick-linked-meat-allergy-across-the-us/