Anaplasmosis

An infection that is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted to humans by infected ticks characterized by fever, headache, chills, and myalgia

Anaplasmosis bacteria

Cause

A genus of bacteria that is vectored by ticks, biting flies and other fomites to cause disease in canids, humans, and ruminants. Anaplasmosis is a tickborne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

• Tick bites
  • A. phagocytophilum is primarily spread to people by the bite of an infected tick.
  • In the United States, the bacteria is carried by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the Northeast and Midwestern United States and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the West Coast.
• Blood transfusion
  • In rare cases, A. phagocytophilum has been spread by blood transfusion.

Distribution

Anaplasmosis is most commonly reported in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern states.

Signs and Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1–2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick.
• Tick bites are usually painless, and many people do not remember being bitten.

Early Illness

Early signs and symptoms (days 1-5) are usually mild or moderate and may include: Fever, chills Severe headache Muscle aches Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite

Late Illness

Rarely, if treatment is delayed or if there are other medical conditions present, anaplasmosis can cause severe illness. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of developing severe illness.

Signs and symptoms of severe (late stage) illness can include:

• Respiratory failure
• Bleeding problems
• Organ failure
• Death

Risk factors for severe illness: Delayed treatment Age: being older puts you at risk Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems (such as those receiving some cancer treatments, individuals with advanced HIV infection, prior organ transplants, or people taking some medications) are at risk for severe illness

Diagnosis and Testing

• Blood tests to look for evidence of anaplasmosis or other illnesses that cause similar symptoms may be ordered and these take several weeks.
• If your healthcare provider thinks you have anaplasmosis, or another tickborne infection, he or she may prescribe antibiotics while you wait for test results.

Treatment

Early treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline can prevent death and severe illness. Doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic treatment for anaplasmosis in adults and children of all ages.

Prevention

Prevention There is no vaccine to prevent anaplasmosis. Prevent illness by preventing tick bites,  preventing ticks on your pets,  and preventing ticks in your yard. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals, so spending time outside camping, gardening, or hunting will bring you in close contact with ticks. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets. Here’s how: Ticks can be active year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). Know which ticks are most common in your area.

Going outdoors

• Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentsexternal icon containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA’s helpful search toolexternal icon can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Always follow product instructions. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
• Avoid Contact with Ticks
• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Walk in the center of trails.

After You Come Indoors

• Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.
• Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks.
• Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
• Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around the hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

Anaplasmosis Resources
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