Massachusetts officials warning of rising health concern involving tick bites in the Bay State

According to information released by Massachusetts officials, Alpha-gal Syndrome is an emerging tick-bite associated public health concern in Massachusetts.

AGS is an allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in most mammalian meat and some other products made from mammals. AGS is most commonly associated with the bite of the lone star tick, and the symptoms can be serious, and sometimes even life-threatening.

The alpha-gal sugar is found in the saliva of the lone star tick and is transferred into a person’s bloodstream through a tick bite. In some people, the immune system responds to the alpha-gal sugar and produces antibodies to alpha-gal. These antibodies can cause an allergic reaction the next time the person is exposed to alpha-gal by eating red meat, dairy or other alpha-gal containing product.

High amounts of alpha-gal may be found in mammalian meat such as beef, pork, lamb, deer (venison), goat, rabbit, or other meat from mammals.

Other foods and food products that may contain alpha-gal include dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream; gelatin made from beef or pork; foods made or cooked with mammal fat such as lard, tallow, or suet; and meat-based broths, bouillon, and gravy.

Ingredients in some medications and vaccines may contain alpha-gal, such as gelatin/gel caps, glycerin, magnesium stearate which is added to some food products, drugs and cosmetics, and bovine extract which may be included in some supplements. 

 Foods that do not contain alpha-gal include chicken, turkey, duck, pheasant, quail, fish, shellfish, seafood, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

It can take weeks to months after being bitten by a tick for a person’s immune system to produce antibodies to alpha-gal and cause AGS. Once a person has AGS, allergic reactions usually occur 2-10 hours after eating or drinking a product containing alpha-gal. However, allergic reactions to injected medications containing alpha-gal can occur immediately.

Symptoms of AGS differ from person-to-person and can be mild or severe and may even be life-threatening. A person’s allergic reaction after consuming a product containing alpha-gal can be different each time.

AGS is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on patient history and laboratory testing. Laboratory tests by themselves are not diagnostic as there is no definitive specific IgE level that confirms a diagnosis. As of April 1, 2026, a clinical diagnosis of AGS is now reportable to MDPH. 

There is no cure for AGS. However, this allergy can be managed by avoiding foods and products that contain alpha-gal. AGS should be managed under the care of an allergist or other healthcare provider.

New tick bites may make AGS allergic reactions worse and everyone, including people with AGS, should take steps to avoid tick bites. In some people, AGS allergic reactions to alpha-gal products may decrease over time.

Taking steps to avoid tick bites is the single most important prevention strategy to reduce the risk of development and persistence of AGS. Tick bite prevention recommendations are the same for lone star ticks as they are for other tick species in Massachusetts.

• Be aware when you are outdoors if you are in an area likely to have ticks.
• Use tick repellants that contain an EPA-registered active ingredient such as picaridin or DEET on exposed skin. Always apply by the following directions on the label.
• Use permethrin on clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear. Some permethrin products can be applied to clothing in such a way that they remain protected through several washings. Pre-treated clothing brands are also available.
• After being outdoors, check your clothing, your gear, yourself and your pets for ticks. If possible, take a shower and change your clothes after spending time outdoors.
• Put your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks. Washing, even in hot water, will not reliably kill them.
• Do a tick check on yourself, kids and pets after being outdoors.
• If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly and identify the type of tick it is if possible.