Two additional tick species in the U.S. have been found capable of transmitting red meat allergy, or alpha-gal syndrome.

In alpha-gal syndrome, the immune system overreacts to a sugar known as galactose-α-1,3-galactose, or "alpha-gal" for short.

Antiseptic solution is then applied to the wound, and the recovered tick and severed mouthparts may be preserved in 75% ethanol for identification. The patient should be instructed to return in ...