Wayne Uhlman, a resident of Lunenburg County, experienced extreme fatigue during a recent visit to his doctor. He was sent to the emergency room due to cold chills causing tremors in his hands, making it difficult for him to even hold a glass. Subsequently, Uhlman underwent medical tests, received intravenous fluids, and was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics.
After two weeks, Uhlman was informed that he had contracted anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that is increasingly prevalent in Nova Scotia. Despite Uhlman’s belief that he had only been exposed to a tick for a brief period, the disease was confirmed through testing.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bites of blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and pets. Nova Scotia has reported 245 cases of anaplasmosis this year as of July 13, with tick populations expanding across Canada, likely due to extended warmer seasons. Anaplasmosis now ranks as the second most common tick-borne disease in the country after Lyme disease.
Since Nova Scotia designated anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, reported cases have increased significantly. Although Uhlman’s exposure to the tick was brief, studies suggest that transmission of the bacterium causing anaplasmosis can occur 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. Some individuals may be asymptomatic, complicating diagnosis. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis rarely presents with a distinctive rash around the tick bite.
Doxycycline is commonly prescribed to treat anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. Due to the time required for lab results, doctors may initiate treatment based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery. Dr. Glenn Patriquin, an infectious diseases physician, emphasized that anaplasmosis is usually acute and seldom leads to long-term effects.
While anaplasmosis has been observed in pets, there is no evidence of transmission between humans and animals. In rare circumstances, anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy. Seniors and individuals with underlying health issues face a higher risk of severe illness from anaplasmosis.
Prevention remains the best defense against tick-borne diseases, with regular tick checks recommended after outdoor activities. Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness about the disease and its varied symptoms, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when encountering ticks.
