Illinois State Medical Society

JULY 2026

IDPH Releases New Resource as Cases of Dangerous Allergy ‘Alpha-Gal Syndrome’ Continue to Rise  

Suspected cases of the once rare disease alpha-gal syndrome are increasing substantially across the country – mostly in residents who live in states with established populations of lone star ticks.

According to a 2025 study, Illinois is among the top 13 states experiencing a rise in alpha-gal syndrome cases, with the southern Illinois region noted as the highest risk.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) just released a comprehensive resource, Alpha-gal Syndrome Health Care Provider Information Sheet, which is geared for physicians and health professionals.

Last fall, IDPH released a Health Alert.

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy resulting from a tick bite. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine. The only prevention method is to avoid tick bites.

If a patient has a delayed allergic reaction following the consumption of red meat, dairy or mammalian-derived products, IDPH recommends conducting a diagnostic test for alpha-gal syndrome. These foods contain a sugar molecule called alpha-galactose, which triggers an allergic reaction. Alpha-gal syndrome sensitizes the immune system to alpha-gal, leading to symptoms that can range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis hours after consumption. Basically, the syndrome is a hypersensitivity reaction to alpha-gal.

Help your patients become familiar with products that contain alpha-gal, including certain gelatins contained in medications that could trigger allergic reactions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a free CME course, Understanding and Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome for Healthcare Providers.

If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

     

Anthony Pace, DO

Primary Specialty:  Family Medicine

McGaw Family Medicine Residency at Delnor Hospital

Message from the Past President

After six years as president, I am happy to pass the torch on to my good friend and colleague, Phil Branshaw, MD.  When I started as president in 2019, we did not foresee the looming COVID 19 pandemic which would alter the way we live life and do business for so many years.  I am proud of the perseverance of the Kane County Medical Society and all its members throughout the last 6 years.  Not only did we perform admirably for our patients and staff against a disruptive and lethal hundred-year virus, but we also persisted in the face of adversity from excessive regulation, insurance hassles, rising costs, and looming liability concerns. 

A great thanks goes out to our executive director, Mara Little, who has been steadfast in her commitment to KCMS through challenging times, along with all our board members.  Phil served as vice president last year and is now aided by longtime historian/new vice president Wayne Polek.  Larry Johnson has given countless hours to KCMS as its long-standing treasurer.  Brad Epstein has been a guiding force for us all but is sadden that he no longer carries the past president title!  Louis Camras, Bob Nudera, Joe Onwuta and Patrick Para have been steadfast and loyal board members for many years.  Will Velasquez, our resident member, has been a breath of fresh air and has reduced the average board age considerably.  And I congratulate Bob Rivers, our KCMS 2024 Physician of the Year recipient, who has worked tirelessly for decades caring for residents of our county. 

We have held numerous programs annually to represent the interests of member physicians, advocate for patients, promote the doctor/patient relationship, encourage the ethical practice of medicine and improve public health.  Comradery is important in our profession, and I encourage all of you to attend more meetings and bring your younger colleagues to continue the mission of our 160-year-old medical society. 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president.

John Davine, MD, FAAFP

Private Practice, Employed Group, Faculty/Academic, FQHC, and Government (Military and NASA) Physicians

October 22, 2025

Phil Branshaw, MD / Internal Medicine / Partner Fox Valley Medical Associates / Private Practice

Oana Patrascu, MD / Family Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care, Wound Care / Rush Medical Group / Employed Group

Neha Kapil, MD / Family Medicine, Primary Care / Rush Medical Group / Assistant Professor, Rush University / Faculty-Academic

Kinsley Jin, MD / Family Medicine, Primary Care / Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness / FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)

Josef Schmid, MD / Family Medicine, Primary Care / NASA Flight Surgeon-International Space Station, Major General (ret) USAF Reserve / Government

Moderated by John Davine, MD, FAAFP, KCMS Past-President