The Boston Globe: Massachusetts to track Alpha-gal syndrome, a growing threat from tick bites. Here’s what to know.

A Boston Globe article reports that Massachusetts health officials are taking steps to formally track cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy triggered by bites from lone star ticks that can cause reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. The state is adding alpha-gal to its list of reportable conditions, meaning healthcare providers will be required to notify public health authorities when cases are diagnosed. Officials say this change will help improve surveillance, clarify how widespread the condition is in Massachusetts, and identify geographic patterns as tick populations continue to expand due to changing climate conditions. The article also notes that better tracking is expected to support public awareness and prevention efforts, particularly in regions like Cape Cod and the Islands where tick exposure is higher.

March 20th, 2026

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