CONWAY — Public officials are advising residents to take precautions after several cases of a tick-borne disease were found in town.
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a bacterial illness with symptoms including headaches, fever, chills and muscle pains. It is spread by infected western black-legged ticks and deer ticks, which also carry the germs that cause Lyme disease and babesiosis. According to the Conway town website, HGA can occur during any time of year and symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after being bitten.
Regional Public Health Nurse Lisa White, who works for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, advises everyone to avoid habitats along the edge of walking or hiking trails and to wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots and a long-sleeved shirt when outside in brushy, wooded or grassy areas or other spots likely to have ticks.
“I’d say (HGA) has risen steadily in our region,” White said, “and that has been the case in the Northeast states, according to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), since the disease has been reportable in 2000.”
Rashes are rarely reported by people exposed to HGA.
White suggests people conduct daily checks of their bodies and clothes for ticks. She warned that the fall, most notably October and November, is typically a peak season for western black-legged ticks. She said people with low immunity and those over age 40 are particularly susceptible.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends using repellant containing permethrin, intended for use on clothing only, or DEET. The department also recommends talking to your veterinarian about tick control options for your pets.
Anyone with questions about HGA or other tick-borne diseases can contact the state DPH at 617-983-6800 or toll free at 888-658-2850, or visit bit.ly/2zggz2E.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.