Canadians exploring the outdoors this summer are being alerted to a growing threat beyond Lyme disease. Health officials are increasingly worried about anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks, which is seeing a "rapidly rising" incidence in Canada. This concern was highlighted in an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Anaplasmosis is now considered the second most common disease spread by ticks in the country. Blacklegged ticks, the same species that transmit Lyme disease, are responsible for spreading anaplasmosis. These ticks have expanded their range across many Canadian provinces. While statistics on national anaplasmosis cases were not provided in the report, researchers noted an increase in the prevalence of the bacteria in collected ticks.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis can include fever, weakness, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization due to complications affecting vital organs such as the heart (myocarditis), brain, lungs, and kidneys. However, death from the disease is rare.
The good news is that anaplasmosis is highly treatable with antibiotics, typically doxycycline, when recognized early. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications, and patients often show improvement within 24 to 48 hours. There is currently no vaccine for anaplasmosis. Public health officials emphasize that preventing tick bites through the use of repellents, protective clothing, and regular self-inspection remains the best defense against this and other tick-borne illnesses.
