U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (Virginia) and Andrew R. Garbarino (New York) have introduced bipartisan legislation to allow for greater monitoring and reporting of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) cases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially life-threatening allergic condition often caused by the bite of a lone star tick.

AGS symptoms occur after eating red meat or exposure to other products containing alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose), a sugar molecule found in most mammals.

Symptoms range from mild to severe or even life-threatening — including anaphylaxis, hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids.

450,000 have AGS in United States

The CDC now estimates that up to 450,000 people in the United States have AGS — up from an estimated 5,000 cases in 2013.

The Recognize AGS Act would direct the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to include AGS on the Nationally Notifiable Disease List. This would bolster coordination and surveillance efforts critical to treating and preventing AGS.

While AGS is currently excluded from the Nationally Notifiable Disease List, other tick-related conditions — like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis — are currently on the list.

“We often hear stories of Americans learning the hard way that they have contracted alpha-gal syndrome — like a family dinner turning into a trip to the emergency room,” said Spanberger.

“As this condition affects more and more Americans, Virginians are contending with AGS at some of the highest rates. Including alpha-gal syndrome on the Nationally Notifiable Disease List is a real step to help public health professionals monitor this condition and keep Americans healthy.”

“Recent estimates of AGS are alarming,” said Garbarino. “According to the CDC, about 4% of AGS cases in the United States are found in Suffolk County, making eastern Long Island an epicenter for this disease. This bill would represent an important step towards increasing national awareness of AGS and helping those on Long Island and elsewhere stay healthy.”

Click here for bill text.