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Man Battles Mystery Illness, Finds Rare Tick-Borne Disease

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.
Man Battles Mystery Illness, Finds Rare Tick-Borne Disease

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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Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, typically transmitted through the bite of a lone star tick.
Douglas Kifolo suffered from sudden, extreme bouts of hives, vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems for five years before diagnosis.
Yes, there has been a rise in vector-borne illnesses, including alpha-gal syndrome, linked to environmental changes and expanding insect populations.

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