Anaplasmosis Awareness

Photo Courtesy of University of Michigan

Gilmer County has had its second case of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in as many weeks. Anaplasmosis is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Blood transfusions have also been linked, although rarely. Prevention is the same as with Lyme Disease, which is also prevalent in Gilmer County. Make sure to wear insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 when in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. Shower within a couple hours of being outside in these areas, and check for ticks, especially in hidden areas under arms, in and around ears, in the naval, and behind the knees. You can also treat clothing with .5% permethrin spray, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easy to spot, and wear long pants tucked into tall socks and long sleeves. It can be pretty intolerable in the summer heat to wear protective clothing, but it is a good option for folks who can't tolerate pesticides.

Symptoms to watch for include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and in severe cases respiratory failure, kidney or liver failure & bleeding problems (white blood cell and platelets are reduced). A rash isn't common with Anaplasmosis, as it is with Lyme Disease.

Doxycycline is the antibiotic prescribed most often for adults and children who test positive for Anaplasmosis. Treatment is most effective when started early, so if you have symptoms, especially if you have had a tick bite within the last 5 days, seek medical attention.