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…