Martha's Vineyard Launches 2-Year Alpha-Gal Study as Positive Tick-Allergy Tests Near 60%
Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Aug 25
Martha's Vineyard Launches 2-Year Alpha-Gal Study as Positive Tick-Allergy Tests Near 60%
3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Aug 25
Summary
Up to 300 Martha’s Vineyard residents with recent lone star tick bites will be tracked for two years in what researchers call a first-of-its-kind alpha-gal syndrome study.
The project will examine who develops the meat-and-dairy allergy after a bite, how immune responses change over time, and which biological or environmental factors raise risk.
Hospital testing shows why the island is focusing on the condition: about 80 alpha-gal tests were run in 2021, more than 1,600 last year with 44% positive, and over 950 by July 31 with nearly 60% positive.
Alpha-gal syndrome can trigger delayed reactions two to six hours after eating red meat, ranging from hives and vomiting to anaphylaxis; CDC estimates up to 450,000 Americans may be affected.
The study follows Massachusetts making alpha-gal a reportable condition in March and other state efforts to curb tick-borne illness, including expanded deer hunting on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.