Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County felt extremely tired during a recent visit to his doctor, experiencing cold chills that caused his hands to shake uncontrollably. Following this, he was rushed to the emergency room where he underwent various medical procedures and was prescribed a three-week course of antibiotics.
It was only after two weeks that Uhlman received the news of testing positive for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that is increasingly prevalent in Nova Scotia. Despite his belief that he had never been bitten by a tick for an extended period, Uhlman was surprised by the diagnosis.
Anaplasmosis, caused by blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, can affect both humans and pets. Nova Scotia has recorded 245 anaplasmosis cases as of July 13 this year, with the disease emerging as the second most common tick-borne illness in Canada after Lyme disease, likely due to the expanding tick populations across the country.
Since anaplasmosis was designated as a notifiable disease in Nova Scotia in 2023, reported cases have been on the rise, increasing from 317 cases to 681 last year. Even brief contact with a tick can lead to infection, as research suggests that ticks may transmit the bacterium responsible for anaplasmosis in as little as four hours.
Common symptoms of anaplasmosis include flu-like manifestations such as fever, chills, and headaches, which typically resolve without treatment. However, some individuals may remain unaware of their infection as symptoms may not always manifest. Dr. Glenn Patriquin, a microbiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Nova Scotia Health, highlights the importance of testing for anaplasmosis alongside Lyme disease, as the former rarely presents with a rash like the latter’s distinctive bull’s-eye pattern.
Treatment for anaplasmosis and Lyme disease often involves the antibiotic doxycycline. Due to the time required for lab results, physicians frequently initiate treatment based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery. Patriquin emphasizes that anaplasmosis is usually acute and seldom results in long-term consequences.
Although cases of anaplasmosis in pets have been increasing, there is no evidence of transmission between humans and animals. The Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia cautions that anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, with seniors and individuals with preexisting health conditions at higher risk of severe illness.
Preventing tick bites remains essential in combating tick-borne diseases, with regular tick checks recommended after outdoor activities. Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and aims to raise awareness about the disease, emphasizing the need for vigilance even in the absence of typical symptoms like a bull’s-eye rash associated with Lyme disease.