From someone who has actually died and was revived in intensive care which took two months to get well enough to go home. I was bitten by a tick and got one of the original tick born diseases (irriculosis) (not spelled right) (related to lime disease) the end result was heart , lungs, and diaphragm damaged. This condition just slightly allows for me to do any metal detecting and for short periods at a time then a rest period. So take it from a fellow who knows very well, do your preventative prior to entering a area where these critters roam. Spray ur legs and tuck your jeans into your socks seems to do the most good. Above the waist that product called "Off" seems to be the go to med that seems to work well. A rollator with 10 inch wheels (walker with seat and wheels) is also there with me to carry part of the load. If you hear that tick season is here it is time to take serious attention and do your preventive measures.
Sorry to hear about what you went through.
Thank you for sharing as you are not the only one effected.
Below is some information as I and many others don't know that much about what can happen:
Ehrlichiosis is rarely deadly. With antibiotics, people usually improve within 24 to 48 hours. Recovery may take up to 3 weeks.
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 (more common in children)
Unlike Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis is considered an acute infection without chronic long-term consequences. Its severity varies from person to person. Many people exposed to the disease agent exhibit no symptoms, while others suffer mild symptoms that resolve without treatment.
Without prompt treatment, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis can have serious effects on an otherwise healthy adult or child. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of more-serious and life-threatening complications. Complications of an untreated infection may include: Kidney failure.Oct 5, 2022
What happens if ehrlichiosis goes untreated?
If HME is left untreated, life-threatening symptoms, such as kidney failure and respiratory insufficiency, may develop in some cases. Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis (or E. chaffeensis).Apr 7, 2009
Ehrlichiosis has three possible phases of disease: an 'acute' phase or early signs of disease, a 'subclinical phase' where there are no obvious signs of disease, and a 'chronic' or long-term stage. The severity of the disease varies considerably with the phase.Mar 1, 2023
What are the two types of ehrlichiosis?
Two types of human ehrlichiosis were found in the U.S. in the late 1980s, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE). HME is now referred to as ehrlichiosis. One of three Ehrlichia species, E. chaffeensis, causes HME.
Is there a test for ehrlichiosis?
Serology. The reference standard serologic test for diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay for immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Does ehrlichiosis cause joint pain?
What are the symptoms of Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis? The symptoms are the same for both and may include fever, muscle aches, weakness, and headache. Patients may also experience confusion, nausea (the feeling of sickness in the stomach), vomiting, and joint pain.
How do you get rid of ehrlichiosis?
Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for ehrlichiosis and all other tickborne rickettsial diseases. Presumptive treatment with doxycycline is recommended in patients of all ages, including children <8 years.Jan 17, 2019
What is the sister of Lyme disease?
Babesiosis is transmitted by the blacklegged tick, the same tick that transmits Lyme disease. If you are bitten by a tick and develop symptoms of Lyme disease, you will also probably get tested for babesiosis. Any primary care doctor can order tests for this disease.
Can ehrlichiosis cause heart problems?
Cardiac involvement in myocarditis induced by Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis infection is an incredibly uncommon complication with sparsely available literature. Also, this case highlights the importance of early recognition as a first step in management.