Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection spread to humans and animals from infected ticks. The infection is most common in the spring and summer and can be found throughout the United States. The Center for Disease Control states that Ehrlichiosis symptoms generally appear five to seven days after a tick bite, and may mimic symptoms of other illness. Some people do not develop any symptoms of illness while others experience mild to severe symptoms, according to the CDC.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Some people infected with ehrlichiosis develop muscle and joint pain. These symptoms can affect any area of the body. A person with muscle pain from ehrlichiosis may ache all over or experience joint pain with exertion or physical activity.
Rash
Children infected with ehrlichiosis are more likely to develop a rash than adults, according to the CDC. Rash may develop anywhere on the body and not necessarily at the known or suspected area of tick bite. Ehrlichiosis rash may be light pink in color and does not generally itch.
Additional Symptoms
Mayo Clinic.com states that a person with initial ehrlichiosis symptoms may mistake symptoms for those of the flu. Nausea and vomiting may develop, and in some cases, diarrhea. An infected person may also experience headaches, malaise or fatigue, cough and a mild fever. Mayo Clinic.com states that some people are able to effectively fight ehrlichiosis infection without medical treatment; however, if flu-like symptoms persist, especially if a tick bite is known to have occurred, medical treatment should be obtained.
Severe Symptoms
Ehrlichiosis may cause a more serious infection in some people if not caught and treated early. Symptoms of a severe case of ehrlichiosis include mild flu-like symptoms that persist and develop into seizures, shortness of breath or urinary changes. Untreated, severe infection may cause kidney failure and coma.
