11. Western Black-Legged Tick Involvement

The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), primarily found along the West Coast, has also been implicated in cases of alpha-gal syndrome. This species is common in California, Oregon, and Washington, presenting new risks for residents and outdoor enthusiasts in these regions. As awareness grows, it’s clear that the red meat allergy threat is not limited to the eastern or southern United States.