Massachusetts Makes Alpha-Gal Syndrome Reportable as CDC Flags Highest Tick-Bite ER Visits Since 2017
Updated
Updated · Barnstable County (.gov) · Jun 30
Massachusetts Makes Alpha-Gal Syndrome Reportable as CDC Flags Highest Tick-Bite ER Visits Since 2017
2 articles · Updated · Barnstable County (.gov) · Jun 30
Summary
April 1 made alpha-gal syndrome a reportable condition in Massachusetts, requiring doctors to notify the state as cases tied to Lone Star tick bites rise on Cape Cod and the Islands.
CDC data in April showed U.S. emergency-room visits for tick bites at their highest level since 2017, underscoring concern during peak June-July nymph season in a region with high tick-borne illness rates.
Lone Star ticks, once concentrated in the Southeast, are spreading north and are increasingly common on Cape Cod, where they can trigger the red-meat allergy alpha-gal syndrome.
Health officials say risk extends beyond woods to backyards and beach dunes, urging repellents, protective clothing, full-body tick checks, prompt removal and medical follow-up for rash, fever or fatigue.