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:

• How to properly remove a tick – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/lyme-disease-properly-remove-tick.html
• Tick bite prevention – https://youtu.be/IorSOPnAnZw?si=gWowLuY_UDSkmn5G
• Tick identification – https://www.etick.ca/
• Tick testing – https://geneticks.ca/ (This is a private company so there is a fee. I am not aware of any free tick testing in Canada at this time. Please let me know if there is somewhere free where people can send their ticks for testing.)

Do daily tick checks!