A coroner has confirmed the world's first known death caused by mammalian meat allergy (MMA), a condition triggered by tick bites that can cause severe anaphylaxis.
Key facts
- •The eastern paralysis tick transmits a sugar molecule that can cause a severe allergy to mammalian meat and products.
- •Symptoms of MMA can be triggered by meat fumes, dairy, gelatin, and even certain beauty products containing lanolin.
- •Approximately 94.8% of people who die from food allergy anaphylaxis do so because the reaction triggers their asthma.
- •There has been a 22% annual increase in diagnosed MMA cases in Australia since 2020.
- •Experts estimate there are over 5,000 suspected cases of MMA in Australia, though this is likely an undercount.
In February, a coroner ruled that the 2022 death of 16-year-old Jeremy Webb in Australia was caused by a tick-induced mammalian meat allergy (MMA), also known as alpha-gal syndrome. While initially attributed to asthma, the inquest determined the fatal anaphylaxis was triggered by the consumption of a beef sausage. This case is recognized as the first death in the world confirmed to be caused by MMA.
By the numbers
Understanding the Allergy and Triggers
MMA is caused by the bite of the eastern paralysis tick, which introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. Prof Sheryl van Nunen, who discovered the link nearly 20 years ago, notes that after two tick bites, 50% of people develop antibodies to the molecule, with a 15 to 20% chance of developing a meat allergy. Symptoms are unpredictable and can include skin rashes, swelling, and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Triggers extend beyond meat consumption to include dairy, gelatin-based products, and even fumes from cooking meat. Because symptoms often appear hours after eating, the condition is frequently confused with asthma, leading to significant diagnostic challenges.
Rising Cases and Diagnostic Challenges
Cases of MMA have increased by 22% annually since 2020 in Australia, with experts estimating over 5,000 suspected cases. Dr. Alex Gofton attributes this rise to increased awareness, testing, and population growth in tick-endemic areas. Environmental factors, such as the rainy La Nina years between 2020 and 2023, have also contributed to higher tick activity. Many sufferers report being dismissed by medical professionals or misdiagnosed for years. Prof van Nunen estimates that 85% of people with the allergy are unaware they have it, posing risks during medical treatments involving animal-derived products, such as certain vaccines or drugs.
Timeline
- 2007An Australian doctor first discovered the link between tick bites and mammalian meat allergy.
- June 2022Jeremy Webb died after eating a beef sausage while on a camping trip.
- February 2025A coroner ruled that Jeremy Webb's death was triggered by tick-induced mammalian meat allergy.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Health.
