Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County felt extremely tired when he saw his doctor a month ago. He had trouble holding a glass due to cold chills causing his hands to shake. He was quickly sent to the emergency room, where he underwent tests, received IV fluids, and was prescribed antibiotics for 21 days.
It was only after two weeks that Uhlman discovered he had tested positive for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that is becoming more prevalent in Nova Scotia. Despite not recalling a tick being attached to him for an extended period, Uhlman was surprised by the diagnosis.
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, according to the Department of Health and Wellness.
With the increase in tick populations across Canada, likely due to extended warm seasons, anaplasmosis has become the country’s second most common tick-borne illness after Lyme disease. Since Nova Scotia began listing anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, the reported cases have risen significantly.
Although Uhlman believes the tick was attached to him for only a brief period, it was enough for him to contract the infection. Recent research suggests that ticks can transmit the bacterium causing anaplasmosis in as little as four hours.
Anaplasmosis typically presents flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache, which usually resolve on their own. However, some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, making it challenging to diagnose. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis rarely manifests with a bull’s-eye rash around the bite.
Treatment for anaplasmosis commonly involves the antibiotic doxycycline, which is also used for Lyme disease. Due to the time-consuming nature of lab results, doctors often initiate treatment based on symptoms and medical history to expedite recovery.
While anaplasmosis is typically acute and seldom leads to long-term consequences, the disease has been increasing among pets. However, there is no evidence suggesting direct transmission between humans and animals.
In rare cases, anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness after contracting anaplasmosis.
Preventing tick bites remains the best defense against tick-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Wayne Uhlman has fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease, which can vary widely.
“The word should be out there because most people think Lyme disease and the bull’s-eye,” Uhlman said. “There’s no bull’s-eye with this, so if you get a tick on you, you should be concerned if you start to feel sick.”