Martha’s Vineyard Faces Tick-Borne Allergy Crisis

A peculiar and serious tick-borne illness is pushing residents of Martha’s Vineyard to drastically alter their diets, leading them to avoid meat and dairy altogether.

The rise in cases of Alpha-gal syndrome, transmitted by the bite of the lone star tick, has been alarming. Reports indicate that last year, 523 people on the island experienced this unsettling condition.

Andrew Keenan, a 58-year-old former chef, recalled his experience: “I woke up at 2 a.m. with severe stomach cramps and initially thought it was food poisoning.” This was after he had consumed a skirt steak just hours before.

After eventually falling back to sleep, Keenan woke up covered in hives and feeling faint. He quickly took antihistamine and headed to the hospital, where he discovered that a tick bite was responsible for his severe reaction.

The emergence of meat allergies has sparked an initiative for “alphagal-friendly” menus in local restaurants, largely in response to online support groups and a noticeable shift towards veganism among residents.

Kate Sudarski, a 26-year-old teacher, noted that her social life has taken a hit due to her allergies. “I can’t trust many places to accommodate my needs, and attending potlucks or barbecues feels daunting,” she shared.

Those afflicted by this allergy are unable to consume foods containing alpha-gal, a sugar molecule linked to meats, including beef and venison, as well as dairy products. A single mistake can trigger serious, life-threatening symptoms that may appear hours after eating—hives, stomach pain, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis.

In response, grocery stores and eateries on the island are increasingly offering plant-based alternatives. Megan Delisle, the general manager of the Black Dog Restaurant in Edgartown, mentioned that they now provide “alphagal entrees” specifically to cater to this growing concern. “People are really engaged in discussions about it on social media,” she noted.

Some residents have opted to avoid dining out entirely, fearing exposure to even the smallest amounts of allergens, like butter or cheese. The tick population on Martha’s Vineyard has been thriving, particularly in areas with high grass and woods, raising concern as the deer population continues to grow.

According to a local biologist involved in the island’s safety program, “Currently, the deer likely carry hundreds of ticks. Next year, they’ll introduce even more ticks into the environment.” The deer population has increased to between 55 and 75 per square mile, up from 40 to 60 a decade ago.