Home / Health / Man Battles Mystery Illness, Finds Rare Tick-Borne Disease
Man Battles Mystery Illness, Finds Rare Tick-Borne Disease
30 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Maryland man suffered unexplained hives and vomiting for five years.
- Diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome links symptoms to red meat consumption.
- Increased vector-borne illnesses are linked to a changing climate.
A Maryland resident, Douglas Kifolo, has embarked on a mission to raise awareness for alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness that baffled him and his doctors for five years. He experienced recurrent bouts of severe hives, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress before a crucial observation by his son led to an alpha-gal diagnosis. This condition, triggered by a bite from an infected tick, results in allergic reactions to red meat, dairy, and some medications.
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