First Confirmed Death from Tick-Induced Red Meat Allergy

A 16-year-old Australian teenager, Jeremy Webb, has become the first person in the world confirmed to have died from an allergic reaction to mammalian meat triggered by a tick bite. The case highlights a growing awareness of alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy.

The Case of Jeremy Webb

Jeremy Webb began experiencing difficulty breathing after consuming beef sausages during a camping trip in June 2022 at MacMasters Beach, New South Wales . Despite initial diagnoses pointing to asthma, a coronial inquest ruled his death was caused by anaphylaxis to mammalian meat, which then triggered an asthma attack. NSW Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes stated that “Without the anaphylaxis, the asthma would not have caused his death” .

Jeremy’s parents, Myfanwy and Johnathan Webb, advocated for the inquest to raise awareness about this rare and potentially fatal allergy . Clinical immunologist and allergist Sheryl van Nunen posthumously diagnosed Jeremy with the mammalian meat allergy during the inquest .

Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome, or mammalian meat allergy, is triggered by a bite from certain types of ticks. The tick transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. The immune system can then develop antibodies against alpha-gal, leading to an allergic reaction when consuming red meat (beef, pork, lamb) or products containing it .

Symptoms can range from hives and gastrointestinal issues to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and cardiac arrest. Symptoms often appear 3 to 6 hours after consuming mammalian meat, making diagnosis challenging .

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid developing alpha-gal syndrome. Recommendations include:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Tucking pants into socks
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Wearing light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
• Checking for ticks after being outdoors and removing clothing in a hot dryer for 20 minutes

If a tick is found, it should be removed carefully. Experts advise against squeezing the tick, as this can increase the risk of allergy development. Instead, use an ether-containing spray to kill the tick where it is, and then either wait for it to detach or seek medical attention for removal .

Currently, there are no specific skin or blood tests to definitively diagnose the allergy, but allergy tests can be positive in most people with the condition . If you suspect you or your child has this allergy, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation.

Asthma and Anaphylaxis Connection

It can be difficult to distinguish between asthma and anaphylaxis, and they can often occur together. In fact, the majority of food allergy deaths (85%) are caused by anaphylaxis triggering asthma . If someone experiences sudden, severe asthma, anaphylaxis should be considered. Advocating for immunology testing and differentiation between breathing problems and anaphylaxis in emergency departments is vital.

In severe cases, an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) can be life-saving. Consider obtaining one even before a diagnosis is confirmed, especially if there is a suspicion of alpha-gal syndrome.

A Global First and a Call for Awareness

Jeremy Webb’s case is the first confirmed death from tick-induced red meat allergy in Australia, and one of only two known worldwide, with the other occurring in the United States in 2024 . His tragic death serves as a critical reminder of the increasing prevalence of this “21st-century allergy” and the importance of raising public awareness.