Doctors warned of rising tick-borne disease anaplasmosis in new CMAJ report
A new report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal warns of the rising prevalence of anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial disease. Health officials are urging practitioners to be vigilant as the range of blacklegged ticks continues to expand across Canada.
Why it matters
The emergence of new tick-borne illnesses poses a growing public health challenge as climate change alters tick habitats.
Martin Haché and his wife, Kathleen Haché, at their home about 100 kilometres west of Ottawa on July 10. Mr. Haché was treated in hospital after contracting anaplasmosis, an emerging tick-borne illness. Photography by Ashley Fraser/The Globe and Mail
On his sprawling property in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, Martin Haché has seen deer, wild turkeys and even a mama bear with her cubs. But the 80-year-old retired accountant has never spotted a tick.
So, in July, 2025, ticks were the furthest thing from Mr. Haché’s mind when he suddenly became ill and collapsed in the bathroom, too weak to even lift his head. After he fell two more times, his wife, Kathleen, called 911 and Mr. Haché was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he became delirious and was eventually transferred to The Ottawa Hospital.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in