When Wayne Uhlman from Lunenburg County saw his doctor a month back, he was feeling extremely fatigued. His hands were trembling from cold chills, making it difficult for him to even grasp a glass. Uhlman was swiftly referred to the emergency room, where he underwent intravenous fluids, a blood test, and was prescribed a 21-day course of antibiotics.
It wasn’t until two weeks later that Uhlman discovered he had tested positive for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection that is becoming more prevalent in Nova Scotia. Uhlman expressed his surprise at the diagnosis, mentioning that he had never had a tick on him for more than a few hours.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted by blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks, affecting both humans and pets. As of July 13, Nova Scotia has reported 245 cases of anaplasmosis this year, according to the Department of Health and Wellness. With tick populations on the rise across Canada, likely due to extended warmer seasons, anaplasmosis has become the country’s second most common tick-borne disease after Lyme disease.
Nova Scotia started listing anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, documenting 317 cases. Last year, the number rose to 681 cases. A recent clinical review from Emergency Medicine Saint John highlighted that ticks can transmit the bacterium causing anaplasmosis in as little as four hours.
Although anaplasmosis typically manifests as flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache that usually resolve spontaneously, some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, as per Dr. Glenn Patriquin, a microbiologist and infectious diseases physician at Nova Scotia Health. Unlike Lyme disease, which is known for its characteristic bull’s-eye rash, anaplasmosis rarely presents with a rash.
Doxycycline is often prescribed to treat anaplasmosis and Lyme disease, with doctors initiating treatment based on symptoms and medical history while waiting for lab results. Patriquin mentioned that anaplasmosis is usually acute, and long-term effects are extremely rare.
While anaplasmosis cases among pets are increasing, there is no evidence of transmission between humans and animals, as indicated by Patriquin. In rare instances, anaplasmosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness if infected with anaplasmosis.
Preventing tick bites remains the best defense against tick-borne diseases, according to the Department of Health and Wellness. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities are recommended to prevent infections. Uhlman has since fully recovered from anaplasmosis and hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness about the disease, which can exhibit a variety of symptoms, including asymptomatic cases.