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Woman in Pennsylvania diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome after tick bite
CBS News • • health
Key Points:
- Angela Lundy of Ross Township was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a rare tick-borne allergy in southwestern Pennsylvania that causes reactions to mammal meats and related products.
- The condition is linked primarily to bites from the lone star tick, whose range is expanding into southern Pennsylvania, including southwestern counties at low levels.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports about 300 positive alpha-gal cases annually, with evidence that deer ticks may also contribute to the syndrome.
- Lundy now carries an EpiPen and takes precautions at restaurants and outdoors, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention against ticks year-round.
- Experts recommend protective clothing, using DEET insect repellent, and treating clothes with permethrin to reduce the risk of tick bites.
