Ticks Are Having a Moment — And Not in a Good Way
Canadians are being urged to take tick bites seriously this season, as health officials report a rise in tick-borne illnesses across the country. While Lyme disease has long been the name most people associate with tick bites, a lesser-known infection called anaplasmosis is now drawing attention for its potential to cause serious, even severe, health outcomes.
What Is Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick — the same species responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. It's possible to be infected with both at once, since a single tick can carry more than one pathogen. Health officials say cases of anaplasmosis have been climbing in recent years as tick populations expand their range across Canada, a trend linked to warmer temperatures and longer tick seasons.
Symptoms to Watch For
Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis doesn't typically cause the telltale bullseye rash. Instead, symptoms tend to be flu-like and can include:
- Fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks of a bite. Because they mimic so many other common illnesses, health officials say anaplasmosis can be easy to miss or misdiagnose — which is part of why they're raising the alarm now. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, particularly in older adults or people with weakened immune systems.
Why Tick Populations Are Growing
Milder winters and longer warm seasons have allowed blacklegged ticks to establish themselves in regions of the country where they were once rare, including parts of Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. Wooded areas, tall grass, and brushy trails are prime tick habitat, and experts note that even backyard gardens bordering green space can pose a risk.
How to Protect Yourself
Health officials recommend a few simple precautions for anyone heading outdoors this summer:
- Wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily
- Tuck pants into socks when walking through wooded or grassy areas
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
- Do a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors, paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, and other warm, hidden areas
- Remove any attached tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin
If you develop flu-like symptoms after a tick bite — even without a rash — health officials say it's worth seeing a doctor and mentioning the possibility of tick exposure, since early treatment with antibiotics is generally effective.
As tick season continues across the country, officials say awareness is the best defence. Knowing the symptoms of anaplasmosis, not just Lyme disease, could make the difference in catching an infection early.
Source: CBC News
