How To Spot Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease borne by ticks, and the majority of cases occur when the bacteria is spread through an infected tick bite. The disease can be found throughout the United States. In the Midwest and Northeast, the bacteria is found in blacklegged tick bites. Along the west coast, the western blacklegged tick is the main carrier. There have been rare cases in which the bacteria is spread through blood transfusion. Anaplasmosis most commonly occurs in Northeastern and upper Midwest states. The largest concentration of cases tends to happen in Maine, Vermont, and Minnesota. Reveal the warning signs of anaplasmosis now.

Fever And Chills

Fever and chills are two of the first symptoms of anaplasmosis to appear. With anaplasmosis, the symptoms tend to begin within one to two weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. In many cases, the tick bite is painless and may even go unnoticed, but when individuals do become ill following a tick bite, it's important to talk to a medical professional. The fever is caused by the immune system reacting to the bacterial infection. Chills are also often associated with fever.

A fever isn't an automatic sign of anaplasmosis, as it can indicate a wide range of different issues. When individuals experience chills and a fever simultaneously, a viral or bacterial infection is usually responsible. The body raises its temperature as the immune system attempts to fight off the illness. Mild fevers tend to be 102 or fewer degrees Fahrenheit, but fevers higher than this require medical attention. To reduce fever and chills, try sponging the skin with water at a warm temperature.

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Muscle Aches

Anaplasmosis often causes muscle aches. It should be noted, however, it isn't the only tick-borne infection that commonly causes muscle aches. Ehrlichiosis is another common infection with symptoms similar to anaplasmosis. However, individuals with anaplasmosis don't tend to develop a rash, while patients with ehrlichiosis often do. If you live in Southern states, ehrlichiosis is more common, while anaplasmosis is more common in the North. If you experience aches in the muscles after a tick bite, talk to a doctor about testing for anaplasmosis. Similarly, even if you don't find a tick bite, it's good to have a doctor test you if you've recently been in tick-rich areas. Delaying treatment can sometimes lead to more severe illness.

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Loss Of Appetite

Individuals with anaplasmosis tend to experience a loss of appetite, often combined with nausea. An individual with anaplasmosis may feel as though they have the flu. Many other diseases present with similar symptoms, so patients don't often realize they have anaplasmosis. It's very rare for anaplasmosis to progress to severe illness, but some risk factors increase the chance. Delaying treatment can greatly increase your risk, which is why it's better to see a medical professional as soon as you suspect something is wrong. Individuals with weaker immune systems are also susceptible to more severe illness. These include patients undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with HIV, and individuals taking certain medications that inhibit immune function. Older individuals are also at greater risk for the disease.

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Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that tend to set in one to two weeks following the tick bite. They may also be paired with diarrhea and general indigestion. The nausea is often what causes an individual to lose their appetite. Patients may experience some weight loss or signs of malnourishment if they fail to get proper nutrition for an extended period. Nausea and vomiting can both be caused by a number of different diseases, many of which can resolve on their own. However, because of their potential to signify a more serious condition, see a medical professional if you have symptoms that don't subside within a day or two. Again, talk to a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms after having had a tick bite.

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A Severe Headache

A severe headache is another common symptom of anaplasmosis. WHile anaplasmosis isn't the same condition as Lyme disease, there have been cases where an anaplasmosis infection is more serious than Lyme disease. Many individuals report having the worst headache they've ever felt. If you don't have serious headaches regularly, meaning you don't have a chronic migraine problem, see a doctor if you experience a severe headache. In most cases, headaches are caused by any number of minor issues. However, headaches can also be a sign of more serious underlying conditions.

The best way to prevent anaplasmosis is to avoid tick bites, but if you do get bitten, follow-up treatment should be done as soon as possible.