State Looks to Get a Handle on Alpha-Gal Numbers

Massachusetts is taking new steps to track alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness that has become especially widespread on Martha’s Vineyard.

Under a new initiative announced by Governor Maura Healey, alpha-gal cases will be officially reported to the state’s Department of Public Health starting April 1. This will allow officials to better understand how often the condition occurs, where it is spreading, and what symptoms people experience.

Alpha-gal syndrome—caused by bites from lone star ticks—can trigger a potentially serious allergy to red meat and other animal products, with symptoms that may be delayed and vary widely from mild to life-threatening.

The urgency comes from dramatic increases in cases on Martha’s Vineyard:

In 2025, the local hospital recorded 742 positive tests out of 1,689
In 2020, there were only 2 positive cases

Officials say better data will:

Help determine how many residents are truly affected
Improve diagnosis and treatment
Identify common symptoms and trigger foods
Potentially unlock more funding and resources

Local experts and health workers strongly support the move, calling it a major step toward understanding and managing a growing public health issue. The data will also help guide future community-wide responses to the tick crisis.