Overview
- A 47-year-old New Jersey man who died in September 2024 after eating a hamburger was later confirmed to have suffered fatal anaphylaxis from alpha-gal syndrome.
- An initial autopsy listed the death as sudden and unexplained, but published testing led by Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills found extremely high serum tryptase levels consistent with lethal anaphylactic shock.
- Alpha-gal syndrome is triggered by tick bites and causes delayed reactions—typically 2 to 6 hours after eating mammalian meat or products such as dairy and gelatin—with epinephrine required for severe episodes.
- The CDC estimates up to 450,000 Americans may be affected, and a 2023 survey found 42% of physicians were unaware of the condition and 35% lacked confidence diagnosing or treating it.
- The lone star tick is the primary vector and its range is growing, prompting guidance on repellents, protective clothing, careful tick checks, and prompt removal, with experts noting factors like alcohol and exertion may intensify reactions.