Tick Disease On the Rise In Michigan Mimics COVID-19

There's a tick-borne disease in Michigan that, although it's rare, is getting some attention this year because its symptoms mimic COVID-19. And the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services thinks you should at least be aware of it. The tick borne disease is called anaplasmosis. If you have it, you'll experience fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Sound familiar? There is one important difference.

According to the Detroit Free Press, there were only 12 reported cases of anaplasmosis in Michigan last year. But nationwide there have been 4,000 to 6,000 annual cases. My guess is that the cases may get under-reported because some people just think they're sick with something else. That may change this year, since people might be more concerned about a possible COVID-19 case if they have the symptoms. The defining difference between anaplasmosis  and COVID-19? According to Dr. Paige Armstrong, of the U.S. Public Health Service epidemiology team, COVID-19 comes with "losing taste or smell and congestion".

Not only does this disease affect humans, but according to the  American Veterinary Medical Association, last year there were more than 200,000 cases of anaplasmosis in dogs. To check your dog they recommend looking "under the pet's collar, eyelids, ears, groin, armpits, feet and tails".

I guess. But my dog checks his own groin - plenty, believe me.

Here's the story.