9.420.  Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Month, month of May. — (1)  The month of May is hereby designated as "Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Month" in Missouri.  The citizens of this state are encouraged to participate in appropriate events and activities to raise awareness of the challenges of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic condition that is caused by sensitization to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate found in most mammalian meat and derived products.

  (2)  Alpha-Gal Syndrome is uniquely triggered by tick bites, primarily from the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which is widely established throughout Missouri.