Giving voice to those affected by
alpha-gal syndrome

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Alpha-gal syndrome

an allergy and a tick-borne condition

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening allergy to a sugar found in most mammals and products containing alpha-gal. More than 60% of people with AGS have life-threatening, anaphylactic reactions,1,2,3 and a number of fatalities have occurred.4,5,6

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) develops after tick bites.7 In the United States, most cases are associated with lone star ticks, which are most common in the southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic United States.8

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Courtesy of Alpha-gal Information, an Alpha-gal Alliance project

450,000 Americans

Up to 450,000 Americans have alpha-gal syndrome.8

10th most common food allergen

Alpha-gal syndrome is the 10th most common food allergen in the U.S.9

 

60-75% experience anaphylaxis

60-75% of people with AGS  have anaphylactic reactions.1,2,3,133

50% have severe reactions to medical products

50% of patients with AGS have had an anaphylactic reaction after using a health product that includes alpha-gal.10

 

More than 10 deaths

There are more than 10 confirmed deaths due to alpha-gal reactions to medical products alone.5

78% of providers

78% of providers know little or nothing about alpha-gal syndrome.11

Courtesy of Alpha-gal Information, an Alpha-gal Alliance project

2009 known cases

2017 estimated cases

2018 estimated cases

2022 estimated cases

A growing public health crisis

  • The CDC has identified alpha-gal syndrome as a growing clinical and public health threat.8
  • As lone star tick populations grow and their range expands, the number of alpha-gal syndrome cases grows, too.8,12
  • According to the CDC, the number of new suspected cases of AGS is increasing by more than 15,000 a year.8

Our mission

Our mission is to advance policy solutions that improve the lives of people affected by alpha-gal syndrome.

How we work

We work in a scientifically-sound, collaborative, and bipartisan manner to serve the diverse community of those affected by alpha-gal syndrome. 

Educate

Educate the public, decision-makers, and healthcare providers on key issues related to alpha-gal syndrome.

Collaborate

Collaborate with other organizations, experts, and those affected by AGS to develop and advocate for practical, effective policy solutions.

Mobilize

Mobilize the alpha-gal community to lobby lawmakers.

Advance

Advance the goals of the alpha-gal syndrome community by working with decision-makers.

Our areas of focus

Drugs & medical devices

Food

 

 

Education

 

 

Research & epidemiology

Prevention

 

 

Do you live in a high-prevalence area?

The estimated 450,000 cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S. are NOT spread evenly over the whole country.8 They are concentrated in the southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic United States, particularly parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, and Suffolk County, NY. Up to 3% of the population in the hardest-hit areas may be affected.8,13,14,15,18

Does your family live in a high prevalence area? What are your elected representatives doing about the alpha-gal syndrome crisis? Ask them!

Key statistics for high-prevalence areas

#1 tick-borne condition

Alpha-gal syndrome makes up the bulk of the tick-borne disease in states where lone star ticks are common.

Source: state health department statistics &CDC surveillance data

Up to 3% affected

Up to 3% or more of some populations are affected.13,14,15

#1 cause of anaphylaxis

Alpha-gal syndrome is the #1 cause of anaphylaxis in adults and adolescents in high-prevalence areas.16,17

#1 cause of adult-onset allergy

Alpha-gal syndrome is the number one cause of adult-onset allergy in high-prevalence areas.16

Cause of 33% of anaphylactic reactions

In one study of people aged 9 and older in a high-prevalence area, AGS accounted for a third of all cases of anaphylaxis, more than all other food allergies combined.17

Courtesy of Alpha-gal Information, an Alpha-gal Alliance project

Join our movement

Help make a brighter future for people with alpha-gal syndrome. Membership connects you to a network of allies, experts, and fellow alpha-gal advocates and gives you a voice in shaping the policies needed to improve the quality of life for those with AGS.

Donate

100% of donations are used for our advocacy work

Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund is run by volunteers, and our board covers all of our operating expenses. 100% of your support will be used to mobilize the alpha-gal community, educate key decision-makers, and advocate for policy change.

    Donate Now

    Learn more about
    alpha-gal syndrome

    Alpha-gal Information

    Learn more about alpha-gal syndrome at Alpha-gal Information (AGI), the most extensive resource on alpha-gal syndrome. AGI is a project of our sister organization, Alpha-gal Alliance.

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    Alpha-gal syndrome key statistics

    Download the Alpha-gal Syndrome Key Statistics PDF

    What people are saying

    Please send us your comments using the “Send Us a Message or Comment” form below.

    Caroline Tuiolosega

    Contact Us

    5614 Connecticut Ave., NW #114
    Washington, DC 20015-2604
    U.S.A

    Info@AlphagalAction.org

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