Ehrlichiosis

What is ehrlichiosis? Blacklegged ticks live on the ground in areas that are wooded or have lots of brush. The Ehrlichiosis is one of many tickborne ticks search for hosts at or near ground diseases in the United States. At least three level and grab onto a person or animal as different bacterial species can cause they walk by. Ticks do not jump, fly, or fall ehrlichiosis in humans in the United States: from trees. Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia muris subspecies eauclairensis. In Minnesota, the months of April through Human illness due to E. chaffeensis and E. July and September through October are ewingii are most commonly reported from the greatest risk for being bitten by a the southeastern and south-central United blacklegged tick. Risk peaks in June or July States, where the lone star tick is found. every year. Blacklegged ticks are small; adults are about the size of a sesame seed In Minnesota, low numbers of cases with and nymphs (young ticks) are about the size E. muris eauclairensis human illness due to of a poppy seed. Due to their small size, a are reported each year. This species was person may not know they have been bitten first identified in 2009 and all patients by a tick. described to date have reported likely blacklegged tick exposure in Minnesota or Wisconsin. In addition, a small number of What are the symptoms of human illnesses due to E. chaffeensis are ehrlichiosis? reported each year in Minnesota, some of While people of any age can get which have traveled to southern states ehrlichiosis, symptoms may be most severe where the disease is more common. in older individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Signs and How do people get symptoms may include: ehrlichiosis? ▪ Fever People can get E. muris eauclairensis most ▪ Headache likely through the bite of a blacklegged tick ▪ Muscle aches (deer tick) that is infected with E. muris ▪ Low number of platelets in the blood eauclairensis bacteria. Not all blacklegged ticks carry these bacteria and not all people Serious illness and complications may occur bitten by a blacklegged tick will get sick. A if the infection is not treated correctly. tick needs to be attached to a person for a certain length of time before it can spread How is ehrlichiosis disease. This time interval is not known for diagnosed? E. muris eauclairensis but may be approximately 12-24 hours if it behaves If a person suspects ehrlichiosis, they similarly to anaplasmosis, a closely related should contact a doctor as soon as possible bacterial illness. for diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is based on a history of EHRLICHIOSIS

exposure to tick habitat, a physical sleeved shirts and pants to cover examination, and laboratory tests to exposed skin. confirm the diagnosis. ▪ Tumble dry clothing and gear on high heat for at least 60 minutes after How is ehrlichiosis treated? spending time in areas where ticks live. ▪ Talk with your veterinarian about safe Ehrlichiosis is treated with antibiotics. and effective products you can use to Treatment should not be delayed if protect your pet. ehrlichiosis is suspected. It may be possible to get ehrlichiosis more than once so Check for ticks at least once a day after continue to protect yourself from tick bites spending time in areas where ticks live: and contact your doctor if you suspect you ▪ Inspect your entire body closely with a may have symptoms of ehrlichiosis. mirror, especially hard-to-see areas such as the groin and armpits. How can I reduce my risk? ▪ Remove ticks as soon as you find one. ▪ Use tweezers or your fingers to grasp There is currently no human vaccine the tick close to its mouth. Pull the tick available for ehrlichiosis. Reducing exposure outward slowly and gently. Clean the to ticks is the best defense against area with soap and water. tickborne diseases. ▪ Examine your gear and pets for ticks. Protect yourself from tick bites: ▪ Know where ticks live and when they Manage areas where ticks live: are active. ▪ Mow lawns and trails frequently. ▪ Blacklegged ticks live in wooded or ▪ Remove leaves and brush. brushy areas. ▪ Create a barrier of wood chips or rocks ▪ In Minnesota, blacklegged tick between mowed lawns and woods. activity is greatest from April – July and September – October. ▪ Use a safe and effective tick repellent if Minnesota Department of Health you spend time in or near areas where Vectorborne Diseases Unit PO Box 64975 ticks live. Follow the product label and St. Paul, MN 55164 reapply as directed. 651-201-5414 ▪ Use DEET-based repellents (up to www.health.state.mn.us 30%) on skin or clothing. Do not use DEET on infants under two months of age. 2/28/2018 ▪ Pre-treat clothing and gear with To obtain this information in a different format, call: permethrin-based repellents to 651-201-5414. Printed on recycled paper. protect against tick bites for at least two weeks without reapplication. Do not apply permethrin to your skin. ▪ Wear light-colored clothing to help you spot ticks more easily. Wear long-

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