Kentucky teen says years of symptoms before diagnosis of tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome

A Kentucky teenager said living with tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome has “flipped” her life, after what she described as years of struggling to find an explanation for recurring symptoms before landing on a diagnosis linked to ticks. Mandy Litteral, 17, said she often felt like other people did not understand what she was experiencing, and she described the uncertainty and delays as a major burden for her and her family.

In an interview with WKYT, Litteral said the experience left her questioning what was happening to her body. She said she felt she had to explain her condition repeatedly, describing a sense of disbelief from people around her who told her they did not know what she was referring to.

Litteral’s account centers on the period before she was diagnosed, when her symptoms persisted and the cause was unclear. She said that during that time, the lack of clarity affected her daily routine and made it harder to plan for school and normal activities.

The report describes alpha-gal syndrome as a condition that can develop after tick exposure. Litteral said her diagnosis changed how she understood her symptoms, even as it required significant adjustments to how she manages her health.

WKYT also identified Litteral’s family as closely involved in navigating the process of seeking answers. She said the time it took to reach a diagnosis was particularly difficult because it came after persistent symptoms and limited explanations from others.

Public health specialists generally advise that tick-borne illnesses can be difficult to recognize early, and that people with symptoms after tick bites should seek medical evaluation. In Litteral’s case, the focus of the story is on the practical impact of delayed recognition, including the emotional strain and the disruptions families face while they search for a diagnosis.

As Litteral continues managing the condition, the story highlights the importance of timely evaluation when symptoms persist, especially when there is a history of tick exposure, and it underscores how rare or unfamiliar conditions can create barriers between patients and the care they seek.