First Confirmed Death from Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Man Dies After Consuming Beef Burger

Representative image.

A 47-year-old man in the United States has become the first documented fatality from alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergic reaction to red meat caused by a tick-borne illness, according to NBC News.

The man, who died in 2024, had a previously diagnosed allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a sugar molecule found in red meat. His fatal reaction occurred after consuming a beef burger, which triggered anaphylaxis.

Following a barbecue in New Jersey, the man began vomiting several hours after eating the burger. His case initially puzzled medical professionals as there were no indications of a heart attack or other common life-threatening conditions.

Researchers from UVAHealth in Virginia investigated the case thoroughly and published their findings in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice last week.

The research paper states, "We report here the first documented fatal case of AGS occurring after consuming mammalian meat. The postmortem examination showed no significant abnormalities in the cardiac, respiratory, neurological, or abdominal systems, including on microscopic examination of the heart, right lung, and liver, as well as on cardiac pathology examination."

Seeking answers, the man's wife consulted her friend, Dr. Erin McFeely, who then reached out to specialized researchers to review the autopsy report and explore the potential connection to alpha-gal syndrome.

Toxicology results revealed a blood ethanol level of 0.049% and a diphenhydramine concentration of 440 ng/mL. The official autopsy conclusion was listed as "Sudden unexplained death."

Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, an allergist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine who discovered alpha-gal syndrome and diagnosed the New Jersey man's condition, commented to NBC News, "The tragedy is that they didn't think of that episode as anaphylaxis, and therefore didn't connect it to the beef at the time."

Medical experts emphasize that while alpha-gal syndrome currently has no cure, testing is available for those who suspect they might have the condition. Scientists strongly recommend that individuals diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome avoid all meat products to prevent potentially fatal reactions.