Australia: Teen Dies from Tick-Induced Meat Allergy

In Australia, a 16-year-old from the Central Coast of New South Wales died from a rare allergy to red meat triggered by a tick bite. Previously, this syndrome was associated with the tick species Amblyomma americanum, native to the southern and eastern U.S., but recently reported in several other countries, including Russia, according to News.com.au.

In June 2022, Jeremy Webb was visiting friends in the coastal area of MacMasters Beach. After eating beef sausages, he experienced breathing difficulties. His condition deteriorated rapidly: he lost consciousness and later died at Gosford Hospital on June 11.

Initially, the cause of death was thought to be a severe asthma attack. However, investigation revealed that a fatal anaphylactic reaction—a severe allergic response to mammalian meat—was responsible. This reaction developed against a background of prior tick-induced sensitization and triggered status asthmaticus.

The condition is known as alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to mammalian products, including beef, pork, and lamb. Unlike most food allergies, symptoms may appear hours after eating, complicating diagnosis. In some cases, reactions can also be triggered by gelatin and animal fats.

Clinical immunologist Sheryl van Nunen confirmed the diagnosis, linking the fatal reaction to previous tick bites. According to her, since 2020, cases of this allergy in Australia have increased by 40%, with the highest rates in New South Wales and Queensland, particularly in coastal areas.

Forensic experts recommended that regional health authorities update educational programs and hospital protocols, emphasizing that mammalian meat allergy can cause anaphylactic shock and requires careful medical history-taking. Fatal cases directly linked to this syndrome remain extremely rare worldwide.