A new case report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) warns of the rapid rise of anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial illness, across Canada.

The report highlights how the disease, transmitted by blacklegged ticks, is becoming a significant public health threat, with case numbers doubling in Ontario since 2024 and Nova Scotia reporting the highest rates.

Anaplasmosis, which often presents with non-specific symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headache, can lead to severe complications such as myocarditis, respiratory failure, and organ failure, particularly in older adults or immunocompromised individuals.

The article details the case of Martin Haché, an 80-year-old man from Ottawa who developed acute myocarditis after a tick bite, underscoring the severity of the condition.Experts warn that while antibiotics are effective, the expanding range of ticks and the lack of awareness about anaplasmosis pose challenges.

The report calls for increased vigilance among healthcare providers and the public, emphasizing the need for preventive measures like tick repellent and regular checks, as the disease continues to spread in regions like Ontario and Nova Scotia.