Lyme Disease

Ehrlichiosis

Human Ehrlichiosis is an illness transmitted to humans by tick bites.  It is caused by two different species of rickettsial bacteria: E. chaffeensis and E. phagocytophilia.  Many individuals infected with Ehrlichiosis are also infected with Lyme disease or babesiosis.  Most people infected with Ehrlichiosis experience fever, persistent headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.  Some might also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and joint aches.  It is usually treated with the antibiotic doxycycline.  If not treated early, Ehrlichiosis is potentially fatal, especially in the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, people with diabetes, and those with collagen vascular disease.

Carried by:

• Deer Tick
• Western Black-Legged Tick
• Lone Star Tick

Health Data and Statistics on Ehrlichiosis  

Ehrlichiosis in Pets

For more information on ehrlichiosis:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/ehrlichia/Index.htm

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