Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA)

Fact sheet on human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)

What is human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)?

HGA is caused by bacteria (germs) that attack certain types of white blood cells called granulocytes.  HGA was previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. 

How is HGA spread?

HGA is one of the diseases that can be spread by the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick.  The longer a tick remains attached and feeding, the higher the likelihood that it may spread the bacteria.  Black-legged ticks in Massachusetts can also carry the germs that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis, Powassan virus disease, and Borrelia miyamotoi infection.  These ticks are capable of spreading more than one type of germ in a single bite.

What are the symptoms of HGA?

Symptoms of HGA generally include fever, headache (that often doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medicine), chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Less commonly, people may have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and joint aches. 

How soon do symptoms of HGA appear?

Symptoms of HGA usually begin to appear 7 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected tick.

How is HGA diagnosed?

HGA is diagnosed through laboratory testing including molecular (PCR) and/or serologic tests.

How is HGA treated?

HGA can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to begin treatment early to prevent serious, potentially life-threatening complications.

Where does HGA occur?

In the United States, HGA is most commonly found in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest.  In Massachusetts, HGA occurs throughout the state.

Is there a seasonality (time of year) one is more likely to get HGA?

HGA cases can occur any time ticks are active. Young ticks (nymphs) are most active during the warm weather months between May and July.  Adult ticks are most active during the fall and spring but will also be out searching for a host any time that temperatures are above freezing. 

How can you prevent HGA?

Prevention begins with you! Take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten by any tick. Ticks are most active during warm weather, late spring through fall. However, ticks can be out any time that temperatures are above freezing. Ticks cling to vegetation and are most numerous in brushy, wooded, or grassy habitats. When you are outside in an area likely to have ticks (e.g., brushy, wooded, or grassy places), follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Use EPA registered tick repellents.
• Products with DEET may be used on skin. Repellents containing DEET should not be used on children less than 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations no higher than 30% on older children.
• Use permethrin products on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear. Permethrin should not be applied to skin.
• Other repellents, such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR 3535, have also been found to provide protection against ticks. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included on the DPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents at mass.gov/DPH/Ticks.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. This will help keep ticks away from your skin and help you spot a tick on your clothing faster.
• Stay on trails when walking or hiking, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.

After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks. Young ticks, called nymphs, are the size of a poppy seed. Adult ticks are the size of a sesame seed. Both nymph and adult ticks can spread diseases; however, nymphs are more of a concern. They are aggressive feeders and so tiny that it can be difficult to see them on the body unless you look carefully. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks like places that are warm and moist. Always check the back of the knees, armpits, groin, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears. If you find a tick attached to your body, remove it as soon as possible using fine-point tweezers. Do not squeeze or twist the tick’s body, instead grasp it close to your skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.

Know the symptoms of HGA as described in this fact sheet.  If you have been someplace likely to have ticks and develop symptoms of any disease carried by ticks, see your health care provider right away.

Where can I get more information on HGA?

• For questions about your own health, contact your health care provider.
• For questions about diseases spread by ticks, contact the DPH at [phone] or online at mass.gov/DPH/Ticks.  You may also contact your local Board of Health.
• Health effects of pesticides, DPH, Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health at 617-624-5757.