Coronial Inquest Confirms First Australian Fatality from Tick-Induced Mammalian Meat Allergy
A coronial inquest has confirmed that the death of 16-year-old Jeremy Webb in June 2022 was caused by an anaphylactic reaction to mammalian meat. This subsequently triggered a fatal asthma attack, marking the first documented fatality from tick-induced mammalian meat allergy, also known as Alpha-Gal Syndrome, in Australia. It is only the second known case globally.
Incident Details and Coronial Findings
Jeremy Webb experienced severe breathing difficulties and collapsed after consuming beef sausages during a camping trip at MacMasters Beach in June 2022. He later died in hospital. Initially, his death was attributed to asthma, a condition he had experienced throughout his life.
Following an inquest, NSW Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes ruled that Mr. Webb's death resulted from anaphylaxis due to a mammalian meat allergy, which then severely exacerbated his asthma.
"Without the anaphylaxis, the asthma would not have caused his death," Magistrate Forbes stated, clarifying the direct cause.
Clinical immunologist and allergist Professor Sheryl van Nunen posthumously diagnosed Mr. Webb with mammalian meat allergy.
Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an allergy specifically to mammalian meats, including common types like beef, pork, and lamb. It can also be triggered by gelatin, fats, offal, and even exotic meats such as kangaroo.
The allergy is induced by tick bites, with the Australian paralysis tick — prevalent along Australia's east coast — being specifically linked. The allergen, alpha-gal, is a sugar molecule found in tick saliva and gut, and also present in many mammals.
Reactions to Alpha-Gal Syndrome typically appear between two and ten hours post-consumption, with some reports noting reactions occurring three to six hours later. Symptoms can vary widely. They range from gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal cramping and vomiting, to welts, swelling, and severe allergic reactions including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Irritable bowel-like symptoms are also common.
Approximately one in two individuals can develop alpha-gal allergy antibodies after two or more tick bites.
Jeremy Webb's History and Contributing Factors
Jeremy Webb had a history of repeated tick bites during his childhood, particularly after his family moved to a property surrounded by bushland on the NSW Central Coast. Around age 10, he began reacting to red meat, leading his family to suspect a mammalian meat allergy.
Previous hospital admissions for severe respiratory distress, initially diagnosed as asthma attacks, were noted by experts as missed opportunities to identify the underlying allergy. This was particularly highlighted given the sudden onset, requirement for multiple adrenaline doses, and positive response to treatment.
Asthma is identified as a significant risk factor, with 85% of food allergy deaths linked to anaphylaxis triggering asthma.
Magistrate Forbes recommended that Jeremy Webb's death serve as a case study for the Central Coast Local Health District to enhance understanding and identification of the allergy's risks within healthcare settings.
Global Context, Prevalence, and Awareness
Jeremy Webb's death is the first confirmed fatal case of mammalian meat allergy in Australia and only the second globally. US-based researchers identified a 47-year-old New Jersey man as the only other previously confirmed fatal case, which occurred in 2024 after he consumed a hamburger. Globally, 14 recorded fatalities have been linked to medicines containing alpha-gal.
According to CSIRO research, Pittwater in Sydney's northern beaches reported the highest global prevalence of the condition in 2025, with 744 cases per 100,000 residents. Cases of this condition have reportedly increased by 40 percent annually over the past five years.
Jeremy's parents, Myfanwy and Johnathan Webb, advocated for the coronial inquest to raise awareness about the allergy, hoping increased public education will prevent future fatalities.
Prevention and Recommendations
Preventing tick bites is crucial in mitigating the risk of developing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. If a tick bite occurs, proper tick removal is highly recommended.
Screening for alpha-gal allergy is suggested for individuals in tick-infested areas who experience regular gut discomfort, as this can be an early symptom. Resources such as the Tick Anaphylaxis and Mammalian Meat Allergy Resources (Tiara) website are readily available for comprehensive information on prevention and management.