Be aware of ticks, this update from my cousin's wife last night. He got bit by a tick at his cabin near Lakewood, WI. Tim got home today: "18 days in the hospital, 7 days in rehab at a nursing home and now he's home. Tim got bit by a tick, he got Anaplasmosis, which is an infection in your blood and got septic, Which caused his kidneys to shut down and other issues. It took 9 days to find out what was wrong and then they started treating for it. He's tired and weak, kidneys are working a little, so he's still on dialysis 3 times a week, but he's home and on his way to recovery. WE ARE BLESSED."
There was no obvious bite mark and the delay in diagnosis nearly cost him his life. Awareness is critical if you are in tick infested areas. Not only Anaplasmosis, but Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are caused by tick bites. Awareness is key!
Signs and Symptoms of Anaplasmosis
- Signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1–2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick.
- Tick bites are usually painless, and many people do not remember being bitten.
- See your healthcare provider if you become ill after having been bitten by a tick or having been in the woods or in areas with high brush where ticks commonly live.
Early Illness
Early signs and symptoms (days 1-5) are usually mild or moderate and may include:
- Fever, chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
Late Illness
Rarely, if treatment is delayed or if there are other medical conditions present, 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:
- Respiratory failure
- Bleeding problems
- Organ failure
- Death
Risk factors for severe illness:
- Delayed treatment
- Age: being older puts you at risk
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems (such as those receiving some cancer treatments, individuals with advanced HIV infection, prior organ transplants, or people taking some medications) are at risk for severe illness.
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