The tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome is surfacing on the Cape and Islands, especially on Martha's Vineyard.
According to Cape Cod Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Edward Caldwell, the lone star tick is to blame because its bite can cause some people to become allergic to red meat.
According to Cape Cod Healthcare, Dr. Caldwell himself suffers from alpha-gal which causes a long-lasting rash and gastrointestinal upset for hours after eating beef, pork or lamb.
Some people with alpha-gal are also allergic to dairy products made with cow and goat milk.
More information about the illness can be found at capecod.gov.
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