Boston Globe: First-of-its-kind study of alpha-gal syndrome launches on Martha’s Vineyard

“First-of-its-kind study of alpha-gal syndrome launches on Martha’s Vineyard”- Boston Globe, August 2026

Researchers are launching what they say is a first-of-its-kind study of alpha-gal syndrome on Martha’s Vineyard to better understand the potentially deadly tick-borne allergy. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, a member of Mass General Brigham, will follow residents of the island who’ve been bitten by a lone-star tick with the goal of identifying who develops the allergy and why. Researchers plan to track up to 300 participants over two years to examine how often the allergy occurs in those who are bitten, which factors may increase risk, and how people’s immune systems might change over time.