Tick-related allergies more common than previously thought

Alpha-gal syndrome — a meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites — may affect as many as 450,000 Americans, with many going undiagnosed, according to a pair of studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alpha-gal sufferers frequently experience hives, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming meat. According to the New York Times, the condition cannot be cured.