Mauricio Diagnosed With Alpha-Gal Syndrome After 1 Tick Bite, Losing Red Meat
Updated
Updated · The Pioneer Woman · Jun 17
Mauricio Diagnosed With Alpha-Gal Syndrome After 1 Tick Bite, Losing Red Meat
3 articles · Updated · The Pioneer Woman · Jun 17
Summary
Tuesday bloodwork confirmed Mauricio has Alpha-Gal syndrome after severe stomach pain followed meals of a burger, steak tacos and brisket on three separate days.
A tick bite about 2 1/2 weeks earlier at an Oklahoma ranch appears to be the trigger; the attached tick looked like a lone star tick and may have fed for only 8 to 12 hours.
Alpha-Gal is a tick-linked allergy to a sugar found in most mammals, making beef, pork and other red meats risky; reactions can be delayed for hours and range from stomach pain to anaphylaxis.
Mauricio has tolerated dairy so far, but he will need to watch restaurant meals and hidden ingredients as the family learns how to manage a condition whose duration can be uncertain.
Ree Drummond said the case has pushed her family toward stricter tick checks and repellents, reflecting concern that Alpha-Gal cases are becoming more common in high-tick areas.