SJR164

A Joint Resolution designating May 2 of each year as “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day.”

Whereas, Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne disease typically caused when a person is bitten by a lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum; and

Whereas, Alpha-gal syndrome results in what is popularly known as the “red meat allergy,” a severe allergic reaction to the consumption of red meat and other animal products containing the alpha-gal sugar molecule; and

Whereas, Alpha-gal allergic reactions can include skin hives, facial swelling, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis; and

Whereas, There is no known cure for alpha-gal syndrome, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the best way to prevent alpha-gal syndrome is to prevent exposure to the lone star tick; and

Whereas, While the lone star tick is indigenous to the southeastern U.S., it is now found in 33 states across the country and in 14 counties of this State; and

Whereas, According to the CDC, as many as 450,000 Americans are affected by alpha-gal syndrome, but cases are likely underreported due to the difficulty of identifying tick bites, delayed allergic reactions, and inconsistent data collection; and

Whereas, Because the lone star tick is now established as an invasive species in this State, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome becomes increasingly necessary; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. May 2 of each year is designated as “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day” in this State to raise awareness of this disease caused by the lone star tick, which results in what is popularly known as the “red meat allergy.”

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and residents of this State to observe “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. The Department of Health shall take appropriate measures each year to publicize “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day.”

4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution would designate May 2 of each year as “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day.”

Alpha-gal syndrome is a disease typically caused when a person is bitten by a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), and results in what is popularly known as the “red meat allergy.” Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in tick saliva and in most mammals, but not in humans. Exposure to alpha-gal from tick bites sensitizes a person to the molecule. In certain individuals, consuming red meat or other animal products containing alpha-gal following the initial tick-borne exposure to alpha-gal results in a severe allergic reaction that can include skin hives, facial swelling, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Although the lone star tick is indigenous to the southeastern U.S., it is now found in 33 states across the country and in 14 counties of this State. There is no known cure for alpha-gal syndrome, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the best way to prevent alpha-gal syndrome is to prevent exposure to the lone star tick. According to the CDC, as many as 450,000 Americans are affected by alpha-gal syndrome, but cases are likely underreported due to the difficulty of identifying tick bites, delayed allergic reactions, and inconsistent data collection.

Establishing “Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Day” in this State will raise awareness of the spread of lone star ticks and the dangers of alpha-gal syndrome among public health officials, pest control officials, healthcare professionals, and members of the public.67