Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County felt extremely tired during a recent visit to his doctor. He experienced shivering and tremors in his hands, making it difficult to even grip a glass. Urgently taken to the emergency room, he underwent tests, received intravenous fluids, and was prescribed a three-week course of antibiotics.
After two weeks, Uhlman was surprised to discover he had contracted anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection increasingly prevalent in Nova Scotia. Despite his belief that he had never been exposed to ticks for more than a few hours, he tested positive for the disease.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bites of blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and animals. Nova Scotia has reported 245 cases of anaplasmosis so far this year, as per the Department of Health and Wellness data until July 13.
The escalating tick populations across Canada, likely influenced by extended warm seasons, have propelled anaplasmosis to become the country’s second most common tick-borne illness after Lyme disease. In 2023, Nova Scotia recognized anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease, with 317 cases registered. Last year, the number surged to 681 cases.
Although Uhlman believes the tick was attached to him briefly, it can be sufficient for transmission. Recent findings indicate that ticks could transmit the bacteria leading to anaplasmosis within four hours.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis resemble flu-like signs such as fever, chills, and headaches, typically resolving without treatment. However, some individuals may remain asymptomatic despite being infected, complicating diagnosis. Unlike Lyme disease, where a distinctive bull’s-eye rash appears, anaplasmosis seldom presents a rash.
Doxycycline is commonly prescribed to manage both anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. Due to the time-consuming nature of lab results, doctors often initiate treatment promptly based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery. Anaplasmosis is typically acute, with minimal long-term effects, as highlighted by Dr. Glenn Patriquin, a microbiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Nova Scotia Health.
Although anaplasmosis cases are increasing in pets, there is no evidence supporting human-to-animal transmissions. The Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia warns that anaplasmosis can rarely spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness from anaplasmosis.
Preventative measures such as thorough tick checks after outdoor activities are crucial in defending against tick-borne diseases. Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes his story will enhance public awareness about a disease that may manifest with a variety of symptoms, sometimes none at all.