Thousands of Missourians could have alpha-gal syndrome, but no one knows

Missouri health officials estimate that between 7,300 and 34,400 residents may have alpha-gal syndrome, a rare but potentially deadly allergy to mammal products such as red meat, pork, lamb, and dairy. The condition, often misdiagnosed or overlooked, forces sufferers like 47-year-old Columbia woman Rebecca McCorkle to constantly monitor their diet and avoid cross-contamination. McCorkle spent 15 years battling unexplained allergic reactions before receiving a diagnosis in 2020. Her symptoms—including throat swelling, anaphylaxis, and severe reactions to seafood and antibiotics—led doctors to test for alpha-gal syndrome. After specialized testing confirmed the condition, she eliminated mammal products from her diet, which also alleviated chronic hip pain she had been experiencing. Alpha-gal syndrome is triggered by bites from lone star ticks, which are prevalent in Missouri. The allergy causes the immune system to react to alpha-gal carbohydrates found in mammal tissues, leading to severe, sometimes fatal, reactions. In May, New Florence Police Chief Tyler Beasley died unexpectedly, with his family suspecting alpha-gal syndrome as the cause. A 2024 case in New Jersey marked the first documented fatality from the condition after a man suffered anaphylaxis from eating a hamburger. Despite its growing recognition, alpha-gal syndrome remains underdiagnosed due to limited awareness among patients and healthcare providers. McCorkle noted the difficulty of advocating for herself during her diagnosis, as many doctors were unfamiliar with the condition. Experts warn that without proper testing and education, thousands more may remain undiagnosed, risking severe allergic reactions or death.