This disease is primarily seen in the Southeastern and Central U.S.
Treatment with antibiotics is needed to prevent complications.
The History of Ehrlichiosis
The first human case of ehrlichiosis was identified in 1986.
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By 2012, there were more than 1,000 annual cases, and in 2019 there were 2,093 cases reported.
What Are the Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis?
It develops five days after the fever begins and can either be a splotchy red rash or pinpoint dots.
In this instance, the body may fight off the disease without treatment.
But ehrlichiosis that is left untreated could lead to serious symptoms that require hospitalization.
Serious complications are rare in younger, healthy people.
When they do occur in healthy folks, its usually a result of delayed treatment.
In a small percentage of people with serious complications, death has been known to be the outcome.
People are most likely to become infected with ehrlichiosis during the spring and summer months.
This is because the number of infected ticks is usually higher during those seasons.
But, its possible to become infected with the disease during the autumn months as well.
What Causes Ehrlichiosis?
Ehrlichiosis is due to bacteria that belong to the family called rickettsiae.
Therefore, its vital to detect and remove any embedded ticks as soon as possible as a prevention measure.
A tick usually acquires the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis from an infected deer, dog, or rodent.
Then they transmit the bacteria to humans when they bite the skin.
However, infection with muris is only found in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Blood tests may be taken to confirm the presence of the bang out of bacteria causing ehrlichiosis.
Other types of blood tests may be performed including the following:
Ehrlichiosis is not easy to diagnose.
When a person has mild flu-like symptoms, they could be triggered by many other types of infection.
Sometimes, a person is unaware that they have been bitten by a tick.
An infectious disease specialist may need to be consulted to pin down the cause of the disease.
Ehrlichiosis Treatment
The treatment of choice for ehrlichiosis is a course of antibiotics.
Usually, an antibiotic called doxycycline is administered for both children and adults with ehrlichiosis.
Symptoms usually decline very fast (within the first few days) after antibiotics are given.
Severe complications, such as organ failure, may require additional treatment like kidney dialysis or breathing support.
Is Ehrlichiosis Curable?
The prognosis (outlook) of ehrlichiosis is good when a person gets prompt treatment.
Usually, the symptoms will clear up within a few days after treatment with antibiotics.
This is because young children and older adults usually have a weaker immune system.
Prevention
The best way to prevent ehrlichiosis is toprevent tick bites.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and more.
Ehrlichiosis is curable with antibiotics.
However, if left untreated, this illness can result in serious complications.
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