Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County experienced extreme fatigue during his recent doctor’s visit, coupled with trembling hands due to cold chills preventing him from even holding a glass properly. Following his examination, he was promptly admitted to the emergency room where he underwent intravenous fluid therapy, a blood analysis, and was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics.
It was only after a fortnight that Uhlman was informed of his positive test result 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 more than a brief period, the diagnosis surprised him.
Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacteria transmitted through the bites of blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and animals. As of July 13, Nova Scotia has reported 245 cases of anaplasmosis this year, with rising tick populations across Canada potentially attributed to longer and warmer seasons, making anaplasmosis the country’s second most common tick-borne disease after Lyme disease.
In 2023, Nova Scotia recognized anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease, recording 317 cases. Last year, the reported cases had increased to 681. Even though Uhlman believes the tick was attached to him for a brief period, ticks can transmit the bacterium responsible for anaplasmosis in as little as four hours, as highlighted in a recent clinical review by Emergency Medicine Saint John.
Common flu-like symptoms associated with anaplasmosis include fever, chills, and headaches, typically resolving without specific treatment. However, some individuals may remain asymptomatic, complicating diagnosis. Unlike Lyme disease, which often presents with a distinctive bull’s-eye rash, anaplasmosis rarely exhibits such a rash.
Doctors commonly prescribe Doxycycline, an antibiotic effective against both anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. Due to the time-consuming nature of lab results, physicians frequently initiate treatment based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery. Anaplasmosis is usually acute, with long-term effects being extremely rare, according to Dr. Glenn Patriquin, a microbiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Nova Scotia Health.
Although anaplasmosis cases among pets have been increasing, there is no evidence of transmission between humans and animals. The Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia has highlighted rare modes of anaplasmosis transmission, including through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Vulnerable populations, such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions, face a higher risk of severe illness from anaplasmosis.
Preventing tick bites remains the most effective defense against tick-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Uhlman has since fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness about the disease, which can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including none at all.
