A New Jersey man is believed to be the first documented fatality from alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by tick bites. The 47-year-old airline pilot, who was otherwise healthy, died in September 2024 after experiencing severe allergic reactions following the consumption of red meat.

The man went camping with his family in the summer of 2024. After eating beef steak for dinner, he awoke with abdominal pain, which led to diarrhea and vomiting. Although he felt better the next day, he expressed concern about his symptoms, stating, "I thought I was going to die," but ultimately chose not to seek medical attention.

Two weeks later, he attended a barbecue where he ate a hamburger. Four hours after the meal, he was found unconscious in his bathroom. Paramedics attempted resuscitation before transporting him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Initially, his death was classified as “sudden unexplained death” due to inconclusive autopsy results. However, his wife later provided the autopsy report to a doctor, who forwarded it to an allergy specialist. Blood tests revealed that the man had suffered a severe allergic reaction to alpha-gal, consistent with fatal anaphylaxis.

His wife noted that he had experienced multiple bug bites earlier in the summer, including at least a dozen believed to be from Lone Star tick larvae. Researchers indicated that this case marks the first documented anaphylactic death related to alpha-gal syndrome, where symptoms appeared several hours after consuming mammalian meat.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious allergic reaction that can occur after eating red meat or dairy products containing alpha-gal, a carbohydrate found in most mammals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the syndrome is typically caused by bites from Lone Star ticks, which transfer alpha-gal into the body, triggering an immune response.

Symptoms of AGS can include hives, nausea, stomach pain, breathing difficulties, and swelling. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually manifest two to six hours after consuming products containing alpha-gal. The CDC estimates that over 110,000 cases of AGS were identified between 2010 and 2022, with the actual number potentially affecting up to 450,000 people.

Researchers emphasize the need for increased public awareness about AGS, especially as Lone Star ticks become more prevalent in northern states. They advise individuals to be vigilant about tick bites and to consult a physician if they experience symptoms like abdominal pain or rashes after eating red meat.

Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills from UVA Health noted, "Although this is very, very uncommon, what happened to him is not likely to happen to other people. I'm not afraid of that. But they should know about it." Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center, added that individuals should understand the potential for serious reactions if they continue to consume red meat after developing symptoms.

As climate change affects tick populations, experts recommend taking precautions to avoid tick bites, particularly in areas where Lone Star ticks are common, such as New Jersey and New York. Awareness and education are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.