How Widespread is Alpha-Gal in 2026?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

June 22, 2026

Alpha-gal syndrome, a once little-know tick-borne illness, is now making headlines. Is it widespread or just becoming well-known?

From news stories and doctor’s offices to online health conversations, alpha-gal is making a negative name for itself – especially after the first fatality was reported in the fall of 2025. Because ticks are expanding territories and experiencing a boom in population, understanding how to prevent illnesses, like alpha-gal syndrome, is more important than ever.

But how widespread is alpha-gal, and should El Paso area residents be concerned?

How Many Alpha-Gal Cases Are There Each Year in the U.S.?

This question is not an easy one to answer. That’s because, according to the CDC, alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is not nationally reportable, which means we don’t know how many cases there are at any time.

However, they also have identified more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS between 2010 and 2022. And if you think that sounds like a lot, the CDC estimates that as many as 450,000 people in the United States may be affected by alpha-gal syndrome.

How Do You Know if You Have Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy, which might develop after a tick bite, predominantly the lone star tick. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals. Though it’s naturally found in cows, pigs, deer, and lambs, it is not naturally found in the human body. When ticks bite, they can transmit alpha-gal directly into your bloodstream, which in turn might ignite an immune response. This immune response can be later triggered when the afflicted person eats beef, venison, lamb, or pork products – or their byproducts.

For this reason, you might hear alpha-gal syndrome referred to as a red meat allergy or a tick bite meat allergy.

Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can range from light to severe, and in one reported case, has resulted in death. Those afflicted might have stomach upset and cramping, as well as more typical allergy-related symptoms, such as hives, tongue swelling, and trouble breathing.

If you believe that you are experiencing an allergic reaction after eating, it is pertinent that you seek medical assistance at once.

Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome Everywhere in 2026?

AGS, though potentially widespread, is not evenly distributed across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most reported cases occur in the southern, eastern, and central states – areas where the lone star tick is well-established.

However, this is not an indicator that other areas should be concerned, because cases have appeared in areas outside of the typical reported range of the lone star tick. It’s widespread enough to deserve attention, even if risk can vary by region, tick species, outdoor exposure, and travel.

And while the El Paso area is not ground zero for alpha-gal syndrome, Texas as a whole can be considered tick country. Residents that spend time outdoors hunting, hiking, camping, or gardening – or residents who have pets – must understand the connection between ticks and the potential illnesses they transmit. This includes alpha-gal syndrome here in 2026.

Mosquito Squad Plus offers El Paso pest control, including tick control, which focuses on typical pest habitats and zones throughout your outdoor spaces, including areas close to your home. Tick control and prevention efforts are recommended for anyone but can be especially important for families with children and pets, who are both very susceptible to tick bites.

Where Do We Offer Tick Control Services?

Mosquito Squad Plus is much more than just an El Paso mosquito control company. We proudly serve the following areas and beyond with highly effective pest control solutions:

Search for El Paso pest control and call Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad Plus is ready to serve you with effective tick control in El Paso, as well as mosquito and tick control, vector control, and a variety of outdoor pest control services, including commercial mosquito control .

Get in touch with Mosquito Squad Plus today by filling out our form online or calling us at (915) 800-0343 for a free pest assessment and quote.