Ehrlichiosis
- What is ehrlichiosis?
- Who gets ehrlichiosis?
- How is ehrlichiosis spread?
- What are the symptoms of ehrlichiosis?
- When do symptoms occur?
- How is ehrlichiosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment?
- How long does the disease last?
- Can ehrlichiosis be prevented?
- What is the best way to remove a tick?
What is ehrlichiosis?
Ehrlichiosis is a tickborne disease of humans and animals caused by bacteria named Ehrlichia (air-LICK-ee-ah). The bacteria are transmitted by ticks, and can infect two different types of white blood cells. In the United States, ehrlichiosis is mainly found in the southeastern and south central regions of the country, although it has been known to occur in certain northern states as well.
Who gets ehrlichiosis?
Anyone can get ehrlichiosis, but the majority of known cases have been in adults. People who spend long amounts of time outdoors are more likely to have exposure to infected ticks. Most cases occur between the months of April and October.
How is ehrlichiosis spread?
The bacteria are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick, including the deer tick, the dog tick, and the Lone Star tick. Ehrlichiosis cannot be spread from person to person or by direct contact with an infected animal.
What are the symptoms of ehrlichiosis?
The most common symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Patients can also experience confusion, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain. Unlike Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a rash is not common. Infection usually produces mild to moderately severe illness, with high fever and headache. It can occasionally be life-threatening or even fatal.
When do symptoms occur?
The incubation period is usually one to three weeks after exposure to an infected tick. However, not every exposure results in infection.
How is ehrlichiosis diagnosed?
Special laboratory tests can detect recent infection with the Ehrlichia bacteria. Other laboratory findings that may point to ehrlichiosis include low white blood cell count, low platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes. While testing is important to confirm ehrlichiosis, treatment should be based on clinical symptoms and a history of exposure to ticks.
What is the treatment?
Ehrlichiosis is treated with a tetracycline antibiotic, usually doxycycline.
How long does the disease last?
Typically, the disease lasts from one to two weeks and the patient recovers without long-lasting problems. Occasionally complications can occur. These include respiratory problems, blood and kidney abnormalities, meningitis and other central nervous system complications.
Can ehrlichiosis be prevented?
As with Lyme disease, avoiding tick bites will prevent ehrlichiosis. When working or playing outdoors in tick-infested areas:
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to minimize skin exposure to ticks.
- Tuck your pants into your socks to form a barrier to tick attachment.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks on your clothing easier to see.
- Check for ticks, looking particularly for what may look like nothing more than a new freckle or speck of dirt.
- Use tick and insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin. DEET-containing preparations should be used sparingly, not applied to face or hands, and should not exceed 10% concentrations for children over 3 years of age and 30% for adults. DEET should not be used on infants or children under age 3 without first consulting your health care provider. Follow the label instructions carefully.
What is the best way to remove a tick?
Remove the tick as soon as possible. Using tweezers, grab the tick’s mouth parts as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Do not squeeze the tick’s body when removing. If tweezers are not available, fingertips can be used, but should be shielded from the tick with tissue paper or rubber gloves. Do not handle the tick with your bare hands. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water. Contact a physician if you are concerned that the tick was not completely removed.