Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis

Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis are two distinct but related bacterial infections primarily transmitted to humans by tick bites. Both diseases can cause flu-like symptoms and are most common in areas where their specific tick vectors reside across the United States. Ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia species, and Anaplasmosis by Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

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What is Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis?

Human Anaplasmosis (initially called Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis) was first recognized in the United States in the early 1990s, while Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis caused by *Ehrlichia chaffeensis* was identified in the mid-1980s. Their emergence highlighted the increasing public health threat posed by newly recognized tick-borne diseases, leading to significant research efforts.

Symptoms

  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches (myalgia)
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Rash (more common in Ehrlichiosis, especially in children; less common in Anaplasmosis)
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)

Transmission

Both diseases are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Anaplasmosis is primarily spread by the **blacklegged tick** (*Ixodes scapularis*) in the Northeast and Upper Midwest US, and the **western blacklegged tick** (*Ixodes pacificus*) in the West. Ehrlichiosis (specifically *E. chaffeensis*) is mainly transmitted by the **lone star tick** (*Amblyomma americanum*) across the South-Central, Southeastern, and Eastern US.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, especially during peak tick season.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and tuck pants into socks.
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing.
  • Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after spending time outdoors.
  • Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off potential ticks.
  • Promptly and correctly remove any attached ticks using fine-tipped tweezers.
  • *Note: There are no human vaccines available for Ehrlichiosis or Anaplasmosis.*

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Avoid wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, especially during peak tick season.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and tuck pants into socks.
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing.
  • Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after spending time outdoors.
  • Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off potential ticks.
  • Promptly and correctly remove any attached ticks using fine-tipped tweezers.
  • *Note: There are no human vaccines available for Ehrlichiosis or Anaplasmosis.*
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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