Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County experienced fatigue and tremors in his hands during a recent visit to his doctor. After being rushed to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that has been increasing in Nova Scotia. Despite his surprise at the diagnosis, Uhlman was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and blood tests.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bites of blacklegged ticks and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and pets. Nova Scotia has reported 245 cases of anaplasmosis this year, with the disease becoming the second most common tick-borne illness in Canada after Lyme disease. The province began listing anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, and cases have been on the rise since then.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis are flu-like, including fever and headache, but may not always manifest. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis rarely presents with a bull’s-eye rash. Treatment usually involves the antibiotic doxycycline, which is effective against both anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. Early treatment is crucial, as ticks can transmit the bacterium within a few hours of attachment.
While the disease has also been observed in pets, there is no evidence of human-to-animal transmission. In rare cases, anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy. Seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from anaplasmosis.
Preventing tick bites remains the best defense against tick-borne diseases. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities are recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Wayne Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes his experience will raise awareness about the disease’s varied symptoms and the importance of prompt medical attention.
