Ehrlichiosis is the most frequently diagnosed tick-borne disease in the southern United States. Infections are reported most commonly during the summer months (May-September), which is the time of the year when adult and nymphal Lone Star ticks are most likely to bite humans. Seasonality of tick activity in southern states may be extended because of the warmer climate. No vaccine is available to protect people against Ehrlichiosis, so personal protection including use of repellent on exposed skin and insecticide such as permethrin on clothing, is important. Treatments are available. If untreated, Ehrlichiosis can be potentially life-threatening. Prompt treatment is important.
Ticks That Carry It
Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a bacteria that is the primary cause of ehrlichiosis in humans. It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Lone Star tick. The Lone Star tick is known to be an aggressive human biter. Its geographic range is expanding.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Ehrlichiosis are often flu-like and typically begin within 1-2 weeks after a bite by an infected tick. Tick bites are usually painless, so many people do not remember having been bitten. More than half of those who get ehrlichiosis require hospitalization and 11% develop life-threatening complications. Delay in seeking treatment is a significant factor in developing severe disease symptoms.
Early signs and symptoms (the first 5 days of illness) are usually mild or moderate and may include:
- Fever, chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Rash
- Fatigue
Signs and symptoms of severe (late stage) illness can include:
- Altered mental state
- Damage to the brain or nervous system associated with inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissue (called meningoencephalitis)
- Shortness of breath
- Rash (median age was 15 in one review study of patients that were hospitalized)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Organ failure
- Death – 1% fatality rate in adults. For children younger than 5 years old, the reported fatality rate is 4%. For adults over 70 the fatality rate is 3%
Who Is Most at Risk
Individuals (especially men) between 60 to 69 years of age account for the highest number of cases. Most of the reported cases have occurred in those who work outside or spend leisure time outdoors where Lone Star ticks are found.
Risk factors for severe illness:
- Those who are very young or very old
- Those with a compromised immune system
Where Ehrlichiosis Has Been Found
Ehrlichiosis is most frequently reported in the southeastern and south-central United States. There were 7,760 cases in the U.S. between 2018 and 2022. Five states (Missouri, Arkansas, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee) accounted for more than half of the cases. Ehrlichiosis is believed to be under-reported.
National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System
Other Types of Ehrlichiosis Are Rare
Another type of ehrlichiosis is caused by a different bacteria (Ehrlichia ewingii) that is also carried by Lone Star ticks. It is less commonly reported and most infections have occurred among immunocompromised patients. Cases have been reported in Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Jersey, Indiana, New York and Tennessee. It accounts for 10% of cases of ehrlichiosis. Like the more common bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis, it occurs in southeastern U.S. extending to the Great Plains. A third of all cases have occurred in just 3 states: Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
A third type of ehrlichiosis is carried by the blacklegged tick. This bacteria (Ehrlichia. muris eauclairensis) has only been seen in ticks in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where human cases have been reported