Wayne Uhlman, a resident of Lunenburg County, experienced extreme fatigue during a recent visit to his doctor, accompanied by tremors in his hands that hindered his ability to hold objects. Following a prompt referral to the emergency room, Uhlman underwent intravenous treatment, blood analysis, and was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics. However, it wasn’t until two weeks later that he was informed of his positive test results for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection increasing in prevalence in Nova Scotia.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bite of blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and animals. Uhlman’s case contributes to Nova Scotia’s tally of 245 reported instances as of July 13, according to the Department of Health and Wellness. The surge in tick populations across Canada, attributed to prolonged warm seasons, has positioned anaplasmosis as the country’s second most prevalent tick-borne ailment after Lyme disease.
Nova Scotia commenced categorizing anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, registering 317 cases that year and 681 cases last year. Despite Uhlman’s belief that the tick was attached to him for only a brief duration, research indicates that ticks can transmit the anaplasmosis-causing bacterium in as little as four hours.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis typically mirror those of the flu, including fever, chills, and headaches, which usually subside without medical intervention. However, some individuals may remain asymptomatic, complicating the diagnosis process. Unlike Lyme disease, which manifests with a distinctive bull’s-eye rash, anaplasmosis rarely presents a rash. Treatment for both anaplasmosis and Lyme disease typically involves a prescription of doxycycline, often initiated based on symptoms and medical history before laboratory results confirm the infection.
Dr. Glenn Patriquin, a microbiologist and infectious diseases physician at Nova Scotia Health, emphasizes the acute nature of anaplasmosis, noting its rare incidence of long-term effects. While an increase in anaplasmosis cases among pets has been observed, there is no evidence supporting cross-species transmission between humans and animals.
The Department of Health and Wellness warns that anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy in isolated cases. Individuals with underlying health conditions or seniors are at greater risk of severe complications from anaplasmosis. Vigilance against tick bites, including regular tick checks after outdoor activities, is crucial in preventing tick-borne illnesses.
Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes that sharing his experience will enhance public awareness about the disease, which can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including asymptomatic cases. He stresses the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms manifest after a tick bite, emphasizing the absence of a distinctive bull’s-eye rash in anaplasmosis cases.