In September 2023, Arkansas became the first U.S. state to designate alpha-gal syndrome as a reportable condition, requiring health care providers to notify the state health department of cases. State health officials said the annual number of reported cases of tick-borne illnesses, including alpha-gal syndrome, has doubled in Arkansas since 2004. The increase is attributed to improved reporting and a rise in incidence. In a study of 3,000 U.S. military recruits tested for alpha-gal syndrome, 39% of those whose home of record was Arkansas were sensitized, proving to be the highest percentage of any state. Oklahoma followed at 35%, and Missouri at 29%.Dr. Alison Humphrey is board certified in Asthma/Allergy, Immunology and Pediatrics. She has practiced in both Illinois and Texas before relocating to Mountain Home to join the Baxter Health staff. Dr. Humphrey spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News about trends she is seeing in her field and explained how the disease can be transmitted to humans.
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Diagnoses of alpha-gal syndrome are on the rise in Arkansas, and Dr. Humphrey describes trends she is seeing in her practice and the potential impact of the disease now being reported to the Department of Health…