Tick-borne illness on the rise in Nova Scotia
Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial infection, is seeing a significant rise in cases across Nova Scotia. Health officials note that the disease can be transmitted in as little as four hours and often presents with flu-like symptoms that require specific testing.
Why it matters
Rising tick populations due to warmer climates are increasing the prevalence of tick-borne diseases, necessitating greater public awareness and improved diagnostic protocols.
He was immediately sent to the emergency room, where he received intravenous fluids, a blood test and was given a 21-day prescription of antibiotics.
But it wasn't until two weeks had passed that Uhlman learned he had tested positive for anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial disease on the rise in Nova Scotia.
"I was actually really surprised over that because I know I never had a tick on me for more than a couple of hours," Uhlman said.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and brown dog ticks. It can affect both humans and pets.
Uhlman is one of Nova Scotia's 245 cases so far this year, as of July 13, according to the Department of Health and Wellness.
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