A Tick Bite’s Deadly Aftermath: Wall Twp Man’s Symptoms Led to Fatal Meat Allergy

What is Alpha-gall Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is an uncommon food allergy in which a tick bite—usually from the lone star tick—sensitizes a person to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal found in red meat and some animal-derived products.

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After the bite, the immune system reacts abnormally to foods like beef, pork, lamb, or venison, often causing symptoms such as hives, stomach pain, nausea, breathing difficulty, or even anaphylaxis. Unlike most food allergies, reactions typically occur several hours after eating rather than immediately.

How Did A New Jersey Man Dies From Alpha-gal Syndrome?

A New Jersey man from Wall Township (Brian Paul Waitzel) died from what officials think was Alpha-gal Syndrome. According to a report from The Daily Voice, "On Sept. 3, 2024, after attending a barbecue at his daughter’s new high school and mowing the lawn at home, his wife noticed that his face looked puffy. While Pieper was out picking up their daughter, their 16-year-old son called to say Brian was violently ill in the bathroom. Suddenly, the noises stopped, and the boy went in and found his father unconscious, performing CPR until paramedics came. Waitzel died that night."

Things To Watch For Regarding Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal Syndrome is carried by the Lone Star Tick. The lone star tick is a small, aggressive tick found mostly in the southeastern and eastern United States, easily recognized by the single white spot on the back of adult females.

What's interesting about the Lone Star Tick is that it actively seeks out hosts, unlike many ticks that wait passively, and commonly bites humans. The Lone Star Tick is common in the New Jersey and New York area.

What Should You Do If You Get Bitten By A Lone Star Tick?

If you’re bitten by a lone star tick, remove it right away using fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out. Clean the bite area with soap and water, then watch for symptoms like rash, fever, or unusual reactions after eating meat in the weeks that follow.

In Addition, if you develop symptoms or think the tick was attached for a long time, contact your Doctor for guidance.

Personally, I have found more tick issues in the last few years for me, here in New Jersey. Fortunately, I have not had any major health issues, but I have had more encounters, and for the most part, I am not going into the deep woods. So keep an eye out for ticks and treat them as soon as you find them.