1st Local Case Of Tick-Borne Disease Hospitalizes WA Man

WASHINGTON — The state Department of Health on Thursday confirmed Washington's first locally-acquired case of anaplasmosis, a rare infection spread by western blacklegged ticks typically found in western areas of Washington and along the east slopes of the Cascades.

While human cases have been recorded in Washington before, health officials said previous illnesses were linked to travel outside the state. Before this month, only dogs had acquired the disease locally.

The state became aware of the case on Aug. 8 after a Whatcom County man in his 80s was hospitalized with severe symptoms after he was bit by an infected tick in Mason County while working in some brush, officials said Thursday. Fortunately, he is expected to recover.

Human anaplasmosis cases are rare and usually present mild to moderate symptoms, including fevers, muscle aches, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Health officials said symptoms typically arrive within a week or two of being bit and are treatable with antibiotics. Severe illness can develop in people with pre-existing medical conditions or if treatment is delayed.

There is no vaccine to guard against anaplasmosis infections, and officials said anyone who develops symptoms after visiting an area where ticks inhabit should immediately seek diagnosis and treatment.

Here are a few other tips from the Department of Health:

• When possible, avoid wooded and brushy areas with tall grass and fallen leaves, which are where ticks typically live.

• When in tick habitats, wear light-colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts and pants, so that ticks can be more easily spotted and to help prevent them from attaching to skin.
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellants to clothing and skin, following label instructions.
• Carefully check yourself, family members, and pets for ticks after being in potential tick habitats.
• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off any unattached ticks.
• If ticks are found, promptly remove them with fine-tipped tweezers, then clean the area with antiseptic.