HA is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by Ixodes scapularis
(blacklegged tick or deer tick), the same tick that transmits Lyme disease. The tick must be attached at least 12-24 hours to transmit the bacteria that cause HA. Not all ticks carry these bacteria.
The signs and symptoms of human anaplasmosis may include:
Fever (over 102°)
Severe headache
Muscle aches
Chills and shaking
Less frequent symptoms of human anaplasmosis include nausea, vomiting,
loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, aching
joints and change in mental status.
Although people of any age can get human anaplasmosis, it tends to be most severe in the aging or immune-compromised. Severe complications can include respiratory failure, renal failure and secondary infections.
Diagnosis
If human anaplasmosis is suspected, see your doctor immediately.
Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the time a person is ill
and the severity of the disease.
Treatment
Human anaplasmosis is treated with antibiotics.
History
Human anaplasmosis (HA) was first recognized during 1993
in several patients from Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the disease
was known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) at that time. It was renamed human anaplasmosis in 2003.
A related form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis
is found throughout much of southeastern and southcentral United States
but is not a common disease in Minnesota at this time, although a small number of cases have been reported.
Ehrlichiosis due to E. chaffeensis is carried by a different species of tick, the Lone Star tick, which is most common in southern states.
More from other web sites:
CDC Anaplasmosis
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information about Anaplasmosis. Attention:
Non-MDH link
Ticks
Learn about blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) including their life cycle, feeding habits, habitat, and population control. Also includes information on American dog ticks, the vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Minnesota.
Preventing Tick-Transmitted Disease
Information about minimizing your risk of tick-transmitted diseases, protecting your pets, and removing ticks.
