The Rensselaer County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent exposure to tick borne diseases including Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. The warning stems from a significant increase in the number of cases of Anaplasmosis found in Rensselaer County.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection, like Lyme disease, caused by the bite of an infected tick. Some ticks can pass both anaplasmosis and Lyme, as well as a less common disease called babesiosis. The first symptoms of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1-2 weeks after a tick bite. Infection leads to flu-like symptoms, including: fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, chills, nausea, cough, confusion and rarely a rash. The disease can be very severe in people with weak immune systems. Drug treatment for anaplasmosis is similar to that of Lyme disease.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin noted, “At the start of the summer season we encourage our residents to be aware of tick borne diseases.” McLaughlin continued, “If any issue does arise, please contact the County Health Department.