West Virginia health officials are reporting a steep rise in alpha‑gal syndrome, a tick‑borne condition that can trigger allergic reactions to red meat, dairy and other mammal‑based products. The illness is linked to bites from the lone star tick, which continues expanding across the state.
Madison Flory, a fellow with the West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Initiative, said the numbers have climbed rapidly.
“The West Virginia Department of Health, as of August 27th, has 93 confirmed or probable cases, whereas last year at about that same time, there were only 14 cases,” Flory said.
Alpha‑gal became a reportable condition in West Virginia in 2025, giving health officials better tools to track cases and identify emerging hot spots. Symptoms can include stomach distress, hives, wheezing and, in severe cases, trouble breathing. Because reactions often occur hours after eating, Flory said many people struggle to connect symptoms to food.
She urged residents to cover exposed skin, use insect repellents and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Rural West Virginians may face greater exposure due to time spent in wooded areas.
“There’s a higher rural population, so people might be spending more time outdoors in the woods doing outdoor activities that might put them into higher proximity of these kind of ticks,” she said.
People diagnosed with alpha‑gal generally manage the condition by avoiding foods and products containing the alpha‑gal sugar molecule. Flory emphasized that the syndrome should be taken seriously.
“It definitely could if somebody has an anaphylactic response to it. If you don’t get medical attention for that, it could not end well for you,” she cautioned.
Health officials say continued reporting will help identify trends and guide public‑health messaging as tick populations grow statewide.
