Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne illness transmitted to humans. It is primarily found in the southwestern United States and in the upper Midwest. It has been seen in Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin and Illinois. The Lone Star tick is the culprit that carries this pathogen. It can resemble Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and the incubation period is from 7-21 days. In the last ten years, I have only treated two of these cases in Northern Illinois.There is a sub category of Ehrlichiosis which is Ehrlichiosis eauclairensis. This is spread by the black legged tick. Cases for this sub category have been reported in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Ehrlichioisis Signs and Symptoms

•   Symptoms usually begin 7-21 days after being bitten. On average, about 8 days.
•   Fever and/or chills
•   Joint pain
•   Headache
•   Malaise
•   Stomach upset with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
•   Confusion (rare)
•   Rash develops in 60% of children but less than 30% of adults. Rash is seen usually after day 5. The rash spares the face but may spread to hands and feet and can be confused with Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• The rash ranges from macular papular which is flat and raised and also can have fine red dots (petechial) in nature. It is not itchy.
• In late illness, the patient can present with organ and brain symptoms ie real failure, liver failure, central nervous system symptoms and respiratory illness.

Ehrichiosis Treatment

Antibiotics continue to be the mainstay for treatment and outcome is excellent.

PROPHYLAXSIS FOR TICK BITES

It is NOT advised by the CDC to treat post tick bites with antibiotics for the prevention of Ehrlichiosis.