A New Jersey man may be the first confirmed death due to a meat allergy triggered by a bite from a tick , researchers announced on Thursday, Nov. 13.

The 47-year-old airline pilot, who was not identified, had two severe reactions hours after eating beef in the summer of 2024 — when he had been bitten multiple times by lone star ticks. The man died after the second attack.

A team of scientists at the University of Virginia examined the pilot's blood this year and concluded that he had died from an allergic reaction tied to the tick bites and meat consumption.

“It is important that both doctors and patients who live in an area of the country where lone star ticks are common should be aware of the risk of sensitization,” said Thomas Platts-Mills, a UVA allergist who led the examination

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