Summary
Anaplasmosis is a nasty disease caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This bacteria is spread by tick bites, mainly from the backlegged tick. People will often experience fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches when they have Anaplasmosis. The treatment for this disease for both children and adults is usually by taking the drug Doxycycline. If found early, this disease is very curable and should be killed off easily with the antibiotic so it is vital to go seek treatment immediately if you think you have been bit by a tick.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Anaplasmosis usually start occurring 1-2 weeks after getting bit from the infected tick. Most people are unaware they have even gotten bit from a tick as they are usually painless. If you notice you have been bitten, try and see your healthcare provider immediately.
Early Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Late Symptoms may include:
- Respiratory failure
- Bleeding problems
- Organ failure
- Death
Causes
Anaplasmosis is a tick borne disease that is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is primarily spread by getting bit by an infected tick. In the United States the bacteria is typically carried by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the Northeast and Midwest and then the Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the west coast. Very rarely, the bacteria has been spread by blood transfusion.
Diagnosis and Testing
Your healthcare provider will order specific blood tests to look for signs of anaplasmosis or other illnesses that cause similar symptoms. These results may take a few weeks. If your healthcare provider believes you have anaplasmosis or a different tick borne infection they may prescribe a round of antibiotics while the test results are pending. If it is found you have anaplasmosis then you’ll be prescribed the antibiotic doxycycline.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent anaplasmosis. The only way to prevent from contracting this disease is by trying to prevent getting bitten by a tick. Ticks are typically found in grassy wooded areas or on animals so be extra cautious camping, gardening, and being around your pets. Ticks can be active year round but are mostly active during the warmer months.
Pictures
Infected tick biting the skin
References
“Doxycycline”; rxlist.com; https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_doxycycline/drugs-condition.htm
“Anaplasmosis”; cdc.gov https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/index.html
“Anaplasmosis”; aldf.com https://www.aldf.com/anaplasmosis/
“What is anaplasmosis”; redoubt.com https://www.redorbit.com/anaplasmosis/