Wayne Uhlman, a resident of Lunenburg County, experienced extreme fatigue during a recent visit to his doctor. He had difficulty holding a glass due to severe hand tremors caused by cold chills. Following his doctor’s visit, Uhlman was promptly admitted to the emergency room where he underwent intravenous treatment, a blood examination, and was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics.
After two weeks, Uhlman was informed that he had tested positive for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that is becoming more prevalent in Nova Scotia. Despite his belief that he had never been bitten by a tick for an extended period, Uhlman’s case adds to the 245 reported instances of anaplasmosis in Nova Scotia as of July 13, according to the Department of Health and Wellness.
The rise in anaplasmosis cases is linked to the increasing tick populations across Canada, possibly due to lengthier and warmer seasons. This bacterial disease has now become the second most common tick-borne illness in the country after Lyme disease. Ever since anaplasmosis was classified as a notifiable disease in Nova Scotia in 2023, reported cases have surged from 317 to 681 last year.
Anaplasmosis, transmitted by blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, can infect both humans and animals with its bacterial strain. Despite Uhlman’s belief that the tick was attached to him for only a brief period, studies indicate that ticks can transmit the anaplasmosis-causing bacterium in as little as four hours.
The symptoms of anaplasmosis often mimic those of the flu, such as fever, chills, and headaches, which generally subside without intervention. However, some individuals may remain unaware of their infection as symptoms do not always manifest. Dr. Glenn Patriquin, an infectious diseases physician at Nova Scotia Health, emphasizes that unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis rarely presents with a distinctive rash.
Treatment for anaplasmosis typically involves the antibiotic Doxycycline, commonly used to combat both anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. Due to the time-consuming nature of lab results, healthcare providers may initiate antibiotic therapy based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery.
Although anaplasmosis is usually acute and seldom leads to long-term effects, certain groups, such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions, face a higher risk of severe illness post-infection. The Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia advises that tick-borne diseases, including anaplasmosis, can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and vertically from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Efforts to prevent anaplasmosis and other tick-borne illnesses include vigilant tick checks and avoiding tick exposure. Uhlman has now fully recovered from anaplasmosis and aims to raise awareness about the disease’s diverse symptoms, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention if feeling unwell after a tick bite.