MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — While Alpha-gal Syndrome may not be exactly new to West Virginia, the Monongalia County Health Department has confirmed the county's first official case since the condition became a reportable disease in June, but what exactly does this mean for residents across the state?

12 News spoke with Dr. Brian Huggins from the Monongalia County Health Department to learn more about this latest illness popping up throughout the state.

"Alpha-gal Syndrome is the newest tick disease on the block. Basically, it is a carbohydrate that the tick will have in its mouth, and when it bites you, it can actually cause you to become allergic to meat and then all mammal products," Huggins said.

Reactions can occur from consuming types of red meat, including beef, pork, venison and r

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