New Jersey man believed to be 1st known death from red meat allergy linked to tick bites

(NEW YORK) — A New Jersey man is believed to be the first documented death from alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by tick bites.

The man, a 47-year-old airline pilot, was otherwise healthy, according to a case study from researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey.

In summer 2024, he went camping with his wife and children. A few hours after eating beef steak for dinner, the man awoke with abdominal discomfort, which later led to diarrhea and vomiting.

His condition eventually improved and, although he spoke with his wife about consulting a doctor, they ultimately decided against it.

Two weeks later, in September, the man and his wife attended a barbecue in New Jersey during which he ate a hamburger.

Four hours l