
Newton County Health Department
Alpha-Gal Information
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
According to the CDC - AGS website
AGS is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal that can develop after a tick bite.
Alpha-Gal is a molecule found in most mammals, such as cows and pigs, but not in people.
People with AGS can have an allergic reaction after eating read meat or being exposed to products contain alpha-gal.
AGS reactions can be delayed with symptoms starting 2 to 8 hours after eating, while some people experience reactions within in minutes.

Someone with AGS has to be more cautious when shopping for "safe" foods. Foods or food items that contain gelatin, whey, powdered milk, butter, etc all contain Alpha-Gal.
Cross contamination of foods can be life threating for some people with AGS. Be cautious when cooking for someone with AGS. Use different utensils, cutting boards, pans, grills, frying oils, etc. Even trace amounts of Alpha Gal can trigger an allergic reaction.

