Ree Drummond's Son-in-Law Diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome After Tick Bite on Ranch

Television personality Ree Drummond has publicly shared her family's recent health challenge after her son-in-law, Mauricio Scott, received a diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a condition that develops following a tick bite. The illness forces significant dietary restrictions, particularly affecting red meat consumption, which has prompted Drummond to document the experience on her website to raise awareness about the increasingly common condition.

Scott, husband of Drummond's oldest daughter Alex, contracted the condition after being bitten by a lone star tick—identifiable by a distinctive white dot on its back—while on the Drummond family ranch in Oklahoma. After removing the tick, Scott returned to his regular activities. The diagnosis became apparent only after multiple episodes of severe abdominal pain following meals containing red meat over the course of several days.

The first indication of trouble occurred on a Thursday when Scott consumed a burger during his lunch break at work. He experienced intense burning stomach pain that evening, describing it as distinctly different from typical discomfort. The following day, after eating steak tacos for dinner, he had an identical reaction. A family baby shower on Saturday, where Scott consumed brisket, triggered the same symptoms. It was during this pattern that a friend suggested red meat might be the culprit, leading to medical testing that ultimately confirmed the Alpha-Gal Syndrome diagnosis.

Drummond explained in her account that while the condition is manageable through dietary awareness, the challenge lies in the specific foods Scott must now avoid—primarily red meat and products containing beef, pork, and lamb. Hidden ingredients in restaurant dishes and processed foods present additional complications requiring careful monitoring. The family expressed their support for Scott as he adjusts to the lifestyle modifications necessary to manage the condition effectively.