Month: July 2024

Diagnosed Anaplasmosis Cases Are Rising

We have been hearing a lot more lately about Anaplasmosis and how it has increased significantly in Nova Scotia and other areas of Canada. With many doctors still unsure about Lyme, it’s time to chat a bit about Anaplasmosis as it is now reportable in Nova Scotia (and Canada), along with Babesiosis and Powassan virus.

Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacteria A. phagocytophilum. These bacteria are spread to people by tick bites primarily from the blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks. Early signs and symptoms are usually mild or moderate and may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches. If treatment is delayed or if someone is immune compromised, 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: death, respiratory failure, bleeding problems, organ failure.

Although I know Anaplasmosis was found in dog ticks in Nova Scotia in 2017/2018, very few cases were reported in humans until recently. Researchers at Dalhousie University presented findings to the public at Lyme Disease Conferences in Halifax in both 2017 and 2018. Unfortunately we only have a link for the 2018 presentation – “Matthew Curry – Bacteria Prevalence of I. Scapularis and D. Variabilis in NS” –https://youtu.be/RDVE3C4QAIA?si=jmzV2CYfGkRUUBuW. Interesting to watch as it also mentions other things found in ticks that might be causing issues in this province.

This article is from November, 2019 and is mostly regarding Anaplasmosis in animals, although it touches on humans – https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/news/anaplasmosis-tick-borne-disease-showing-up-in-nova-scotia-382205/. Animals have been diagnosed with Anaplasmosis for awhile now in the province. “The first confirmed case of Anaplasmosis in a horse occurred in 2009 – “https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Tick-Borne-Disease-Response-Plan.pdf‘. Perhaps there have been cases in humans for awhile as well, but we were not looking for it because of lack of knowledge.

Just like Lyme, Anaplasmosis cases must fit certain criteria before being recorded as an official case – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/anaplasmosis/health-professionals/national-case-definition.html. Just like Lyme, recorded cases are no doubt considerably less than actual cases, especially as knowledge is limited regarding the disease.

The following is helpful info for NS health care practitioners from Dr. Jennifer Cram, Provincial Medical Officer of Health, NS Health and Wellness- https://physicians.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/2024-07/OCMOH%20Memo%20-%20Tick%20Borne%20Diseases%20Program%20Update%2020230724%20Final.pdf. I have been frequently told over the years that although doctors are provided with information on Lyme and tick-borne diseases, they may not be reading it, so take this with you to your doctor, just in case.

It is important to remember the ticks can carry a number of pathogens at one time, or separate from Lyme. Some can be transmitted very quickly so prevention, or prompt and correct removal, is key. Some helpful information in this regard:

Do daily tick checks!

A New “NS Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Association” In The Works

I have mentioned the need for a nonprofit Lyme Association in Nova Scotia in past blogs but I wanted to speak about just an Association today. As the province with the highest rate of Lyme and one of only a couple of provinces without a Lyme Association at the moment, it’s time.

Although the “Lunenburg Lyme Association” was in existence for a couple of years, and organized the Bridgewater Lyme Conference which was held in 2019, it has unfortunately ceased to exist. The need for a dedicated Association, providing information to the public and health care providers, has steadily grown. With the entire province now considered high risk, more needs to be done to ensure that residents, and visitors, are adequately educated.

Although we have a NS Lyme Advocacy Group and a NS Lyme Support Group, neither of these groups are organized in an official manner. A nonprofit would require a Board, thus providing some credibility when discussing issues with health care providers, politicians, etc.

These are a few of the things we see a Board, along with subcommittees, working on:

  • Development of a comprehensive website, with information on Lyme and tick-borne diseases. 
  • Provision of accurate, up-to-date, information to health care professionals through podcasts, interviews, Zoom presentations, etc. 
  • Organization of awareness/prevention events throughout the province, including those for Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
  • Undertaking fundraising through a variety of methods including, but not limited to – requesting donations from organizations and people; selling items such as garden flags, etc.; holding events such as a walk/kite flying event that would require sponsors; undertaking presentations to businesses/organizations; having a “gala” (which is a lofty goal); and more.
  • Involvement with health & wellness events throughout the province.
  • Organizing movie/documentary screenings.
  • Tick drags – for awareness/testing?
  • Pursue the implementation of the three Asks made to the provincial government. 
  • Development of a tick testing program in Nova Scotia, for all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme. That may involve an expansion of Geneticks into the province, but it would be great to provide a free tick testing service.
  • Assist with more research. 

We presently have six people interested in being on the Board. However, to ensure that we include as many stakeholders as possible, and can have a quorum even if one or two people cannot attend a meeting, it would be beneficial to have at least two more Board members. It would be very helpful to have someone from the Veterinary and health care areas.

I believe that a Board would only need to meet once a month for one to two hours, preferably in the evening and via Zoom, or similar program. As Board members will reside throughout the province, virtual meetings make the most sense. Hopefully we could get together, in person, at least once a year.

Board members could be involved as much, or as little, as they want over and above the regularly scheduled Board meetings as there are a number of people interested in helping out, but not wanting to sit on a Board. These people will continue to be involved via subcommittees.

If interested in being involved, either on the Board, or helping with initiatives on subcommittees, please reach out to me via this site, or by email at donna.lugar@outlook.com. We would like to see the Board up and running prior to the end of August as we hope to have our on-going petition (more info on that in another blog post) presented to the NS Legislature during their fall sitting.

I realize that everyone is very busy but this is a very important initiative and a couple of hours of your time each month is not an unrealistic goal. If you can’t become involved at this time, please pass this information along to anyone you think might be interested.