KY’s most common tick can trigger a mysterious allergy. These are the symptoms
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky ranks highly in cases of alpha-gal syndrome, spread by Lone Star ticks
- The allergy isn't just triggered by red meat, but also ingredients found in many products
- Experts recommend avoiding triggering foods and additional tick bites with several tips
Kentucky numbers among the top 10 states for cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a mysterious tick-borne allergy spread by the Lone Star tick, the Bluegrass State’s most common tick.
While it’s been popularly described as the “red-meat allergy,” there’s much more to alpha-gal syndrome than cutting steaks and burgers out of your diet. People with the allergy report experiencing reactions from over-the-counter medications and supplements, as well as personal care products that include alpha-gal-sensitive ingredients. These can be as varied as toothpastes, lotions and even some types of toilet paper.
Allergic reactions from alpha-gal syndrome can be as varied as its triggers, ranging from joint pain, tissue swelling, itchy skin, gastrointestinal issues and anaphylaxis.
Experts in entomology and nutrition with the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service held a webinar May 29 to help people with alpha-gal syndrome unpack the complicated health condition. Here’s what Kentuckians should know about the allergy and avoiding ticks this summer.
How is it spread? How common is it in Kentucky?
The true spread of alpha-gal syndrome isn’t yet fully understood by scientists.
According to UK entomologist Jonathan Larson, “science and medicine have been trying to play catch-up” over the last 20 years or so, though it is clear the allergy has been spreading quietly for years.
“In 2009, there were 12 cases that had been identified. We’re now nearing about a half a million suspected cases. On average, there’s 15,000 new cases being reported each year,” Larson said, adding the scope is probably even larger. “This isn’t a mandatory report for physicians to do, and so we’re probably not getting the complete picture.”
Kentucky is notable in that it numbers among the top 10 states with the highest numbers of cases, according to presentation materials shared by Larson during the webinar. In fact, Muhlenberg County in western Kentucky has the second highest number of cases in the nation per 1 million people, according to Larson.
The Lone Star tick is a common culprit for alpha gal’s spread, and states with high Lone Star tick populations also have the most diagnosed cases. In Kentucky, the Lone Star is by far the most common in the state.
“It is probably becoming more common in Kentucky,” Larson said, adding deer and mouse population rise have contributed to the Lone Star tick’s spread here.
“This tick has been able to move into the state more over the last couple of decades and supplant the American dog tick as our most common tick. Almost every tick sample that gets sent to our department turns out to be one of these. I would say it’s very rare that we get a dog tick,” Larson said.
What is alpha gal syndrome?
Galactose-α-1,3-galactose, informally called α-gal, is the foreign sugar molecule that alpha-gal syndrome takes its name from. It’s found in most mammals, other than humans and some other primates.
Tick bites can introduce the molecule into humans, and because the body sees it as an intruder, it triggers an immune response.
Often described as the “red meat allergy,” that name is a bit of a misnomer as it doesn’t reflect the full scope of the allergy triggers people experience.
The alpha-gal molecule can be found in many types of medications and personal care items, including those that contain gelatin derived from animals, such as pill capsules and cosmetics. The website pillclarity.org is one potential resource for product alpha-gal-sensitive ingredients.
What are the most common symptoms and reactions?
Alpha-gal syndrome can vary widely among individuals who have it. Some may experience itchy skin, hives and other types of tissue swelling, while others may experience gastro-intestinal symptoms or joint pain. Anaphylaxis is also possible in some cases.
“The thing about Alpha gal is it’s really tricky to pin down,” said Heather Shaw, with UK’s Nutrition Education Program, during the May 29th webinar. “It works a little bit differently person to person.”
The timing of reactions can also be variable person to person. Individuals may not react every time they’re exposed to the alpha-gal molecule. They could have different symptoms with each exposure or symptoms may appear within a few hours after eating certain foods or encountering ingredients containing the molecule.
According to information shared during the webinar, the most common allergic reactions include:
Seven out of 10 people experience hives and an itchy rash
Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue and/or eyes
Three out of four people experience abdominal cramps
GI upset, such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Drops in blood pressure and faintness
Joint pain
Expert tips for avoiding triggers and repeat tick bites
While there is no current cure for alpha-ga syndrome, there are ways to minimize reactions, including avoiding triggering foods.
According to Associate Extension Professor Heather Norman-Burgdolf, main foods to avoid include:
Beef, pork and lamb
Organ meats have higher alpha-gal levels
Wild game such as venison, squirrel and rabbit
Dairy, including milk, butter, yogurt and cheese
Broths, bouillon, stocks, gravies, gelatin, lard and tallow
Flounder eggs (roe)
Red algae
Safe foods include the following, according to Norman-Burgdolf:
Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck, emu, ostrich or quail)
Seafood, including fish and shellfish
Eggs
Beans, peas, lentils
Nuts and seeds
Whole grains
Fruits
Vegetables
Plant-based, dairy-free and vegan recipes likely won’t have triggering ingredients, but Norman-Burgdolf also emphasized family recipes could be altered to omit ingredients, as well.
“It does seem overwhelming, but with small changes, you really can meet your protein and nutrient needs,” Norman-Burgdolf said.
Another thing to watch out for is repeat tick bites, which could lead to repeat exposures to alpha gal. Tactics for avoiding tick bites require awareness of high-risk areas and a little planning ahead.
Ways to avoid tick bite exposures include:
Wear protective clothing, especially when outdoors in areas with a lot of brush. This includes long sleeves, pants and tall boots. It’s also good to wear light-colored clothing for more easily spotting ticks when one does latch onto you.
When hiking, stick to the middle of the trail.
Use DEET or other repellants on your clothing. Permethrin spray can also be a good option, just make sure to follow the label and avoid contact with pets.
Check yourself for ticks in the shower after extensive time outdoors.
Throw your clothing into a hot dryer to dry out ticks after a hike or time outdoors.
Trim or manage vegetation on your property that serves as prime tick habitat.
Keep your pets current on their vaccines and anti-tick and mosquito prevention treatments.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.