Stanley Applauds Signing of Reportable Disease Legislation, Recognizes Alpha-Gal Awareness Month

OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, applauded Senate Bill 1644 becoming law, legislation she authored to designate Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) as a reportable disease in Oklahoma.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially life-threatening allergic condition, most often caused by lone star tick bites, that is increasingly affecting Oklahomans. The disease causes varying symptoms ranging from mild to severe, most commonly causing allergic reactions to meat and other animal products such as dairy and certain medications.

SB 1644 directs the Commissioner of Health to add Alpha-Gal Syndrome to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s published list of reportable diseases and conditions, helping improve awareness and data collection related to the growing condition.

“This new law will ensure Alpha-Gal Syndrome is added to the state’s reportable disease list so we can better support patients and healthcare providers as they work to understand and treat this disease,” Stanley said.

Stanley, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, said improving awareness and public health monitoring of Alpha-Gal Syndrome is critical.

To further awareness efforts, the Oklahoma Senate adopted Senate Resolution 28, declaring May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma to help increase public understanding of the condition and encourage tick-bite prevention efforts statewide.

“Recognizing Alpha-Gal Awareness Month is an important opportunity to educate Oklahomans about this serious condition and the impact it has on families across our state,” Stanley said. “I was proud to author SB 1644 and support the adoption of SR 28 to encourage prevention and education efforts related to tick exposure and Alpha-Gal Syndrome.”

Stanley’s Senate Bill 1644 will take effect Nov. 1.

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.