'If only people knew what a tick could do' - the deadly meat allergies caused by tick bites

Core point

Myfanwy Webb reflects on her son's birthday party five years ago, which she now views as a missed opportunity to save his life. After a celebratory lunch, her son Jeremy experienced difficulty breathing and vomiting, leading to a hospital visit. Doctors suspected a meat allergy but attributed his symptoms to asthma, ultimately sending him home without further testing. Tragically, Jeremy died a year later from anaphylaxis triggered by a tick-induced meat allergy, marking the first known death from this condition.