First Australian Teen Dies From Tick Allergy to Red Meat

This is the first confirmed death in Australia from a rare tick-induced allergy to red meat. The allergy can cause severe reactions after eating meat.
By Newsroom | Health, Australia |

Teenager Jeremy Webb's Passing Highlights Rare Condition

Jeremy Webb, a 16-year-old from New South Wales, has been confirmed as the first Australian to die from a tick-induced red meat allergy. This rare condition, known as mammalian meat allergy, occurs when tick bites sensitize the body to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. Consumption of mammalian meat then triggers an allergic reaction.

Jeremy, 16, died from a tick-induced meat allergy. Sydney’s north is a global hotspot for the disease - 1

The coroner's findings, made public in November 2025 and reported extensively in late February 2026, attributed Webb's death to an anaphylactic reaction to meat, which subsequently triggered an asthma attack. His death occurred after he consumed beef sausages during a camping trip on the NSW Central Coast. Initially, doctors had presumed his death was due to asthma, a condition he had suffered from since childhood.

Jeremy, 16, died from a tick-induced meat allergy. Sydney’s north is a global hotspot for the disease - 2

Global Hotspot Identified

Sydney's northern areas have been identified as a global hotspot for the tick responsible for this allergy, Ixodes holocyclus, also known as the eastern paralysis tick. This prevalence suggests a concerning environment for potential sensitization. While fatalities from this allergy are considered exceptionally rare worldwide, the confirmed case in Australia underscores the need for greater awareness.

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Jeremy, 16, died from a tick-induced meat allergy. Sydney’s north is a global hotspot for the disease - 3

"Preventing a tick bite from occurring is the most important strategy," stated clinical immunologist and allergist Sheryl van Nunen.

Van Nunen, who provided a posthumous diagnosis of mammalian meat allergy for Webb, also recommended correct tick removal procedures and advised consulting resources like the 'Tick Anaphylaxis and Mammalian Meat Allergy Resources (Tiara)' website if a bite occurs.

Jeremy, 16, died from a tick-induced meat allergy. Sydney’s north is a global hotspot for the disease - 4

Understanding Mammalian Meat Allergy

The allergy develops after two or more tick bites, with approximately half of individuals bitten producing antibodies against alpha-gal. This immune response leads to symptoms that can range from gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and hives to severe anaphylaxis.

While Webb's case involved a teenager, experts note that mammalian meat allergy typically affects older individuals. This first documented fatal case in Australia prompts calls for increased awareness among medical professionals. Recommendations have been made for local health districts to update allergy training for doctors to recognize the signs of mammalian meat allergy.

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Jeremy Webb's death, though a tragedy, has brought to light a previously undocumented fatal outcome of this specific tick-induced allergy in Australia. His parents have expressed pride that the inquest into his death has shed light on this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Jeremy Webb and why is his death significant?
Jeremy Webb, a 16-year-old from New South Wales, is the first person in Australia confirmed to have died from a rare allergy to red meat caused by tick bites. His death highlights the condition known as mammalian meat allergy.
Q: How does a tick bite cause an allergy to red meat?
Tick bites, specifically from the eastern paralysis tick, can sensitize the body to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. When a person with this sensitization eats mammalian meat, their body can have an allergic reaction.
Q: What happened to Jeremy Webb?
Jeremy Webb died from a severe allergic reaction to beef sausages, which triggered an asthma attack. Doctors later confirmed this was due to mammalian meat allergy, which was linked to previous tick bites.
Q: Where is this tick most common in Australia?
Sydney's northern areas have been identified as a hotspot for the eastern paralysis tick, the type of tick linked to causing this allergy. This means people in these areas may have a higher risk of developing the allergy.
Q: What are the symptoms of mammalian meat allergy?
Symptoms can include stomach problems like nausea and vomiting, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. The allergy typically develops after multiple tick bites.
Q: What should people do if they are concerned about tick bites or this allergy?
Experts advise preventing tick bites as the main strategy. If a tick bite occurs, proper removal is important. Resources like the 'Tick Anaphylaxis and Mammalian Meat Allergy Resources (Tiara)' website can provide more information.