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Ehrlichiosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis; HME; Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis; HGE; Human granulocytic anaplasmosis; HGA

Prevention:

Ehrlichiosis is spread by tick bites. Preventing tick bites will prevent this condition, as well as other tick-borne diseases. Common measures include:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing clothing to cover skin
• Avoiding dense brush and long grasses when hiking
• Not standing under trees or bushes
• Checking yourself for ticks and removing any that may be found after being outside

Studies suggest that a tick must be attached to your body for at least 24 hours in order to cause disease, so early removal will prevent infection. If you are bit by a tick, write down the date and time the bite happened, and bring this information to your doctor if you become sick.

References:

Bratton RL. Tick-borne disease. Am Fam Physician . 2005; 71(12): 2323-30.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:2310-2315.

• Review Date: 3/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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