Hi everyone! The CDC just released a very interesting paper (7/2/26) - it is the first large CDC study to examine how common alpha-gal IgE antibodies are in the U.S. population.

Key findings:

• Approximately one in four adults (24%) in the five highest-risk states had detectable alpha-gal IgE antibodies. These states were Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia.
• Having alpha-gal IgE antibodies does NOT mean a person has alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Many people are sensitized (positive blood test) but have no clinical symptoms. Diagnosis requires both compatible symptoms AND a positive alpha-gal IgE test.
• Providers should only order alpha-gal IgE testing when patients have symptoms consistent with AGS.
• Positive alpha-gal IgE tests alone may lead to overdiagnosis. Relying only on laboratory results could result in unnecessary dietary restrictions
• Maine showed higher-than-expected seroprevalence (10.6%). The authors note this may reflect evidence that blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) can also induce alpha-gal sensitization. 
• Older adults and men were more likely to be alpha-gal IgE positive.
  • Men had about 1.6 times higher odds of seropositivity than women.
  • Adults aged 55 years and older had substantially higher seroprevalence than younger adults.

   

• The study reinforces that AGS is likely underrecognized. 
• CDC recommends improving surveillance. Future surveillance should include clinical criteria, not just laboratory results

Read the full article at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7525a1.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7525a1_w

This one, which originates out of Finland, has pockets for heat warmers (ran about 110 degreesF) and a CO2 cylinder see https://www.ticksbuster.fi/ I also have a video when I find a place to post it. I only collected one lone star tick (have treated this yard for 4 years). Location: Central NC

5 things about alpha-gal syndrome you should know

I've spent years in this space and these five things still catch people off guard.

1. Reactions are usually delayed, up to 10 hours after exposure.
2. Reactions are variable. Not every reaction looks the same, even in the same person. This makes it incredibly hard to diagnose and easy to dismiss.
3. Reactions may involve all body systems. It's not just hives or GI distress. Alpha-gal can show up as anaphylaxis, brain fog, joint pain, and more.
4. Test positivity does not correlate with reaction severity. A low IgE number does not mean a mild reaction. Patients and providers need to know this.
5. Many patients do not recall a tick bite. You don't have to find a tick on your body to have been bitten. Nymphs are the size of a poppy seed.

If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Happy to answer questions.

— Jennifer Platt, DrPH | Co-founder, TBC United