What is human granulocytic ehrlichiosis?
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is an infection caused by a bacterium. The bacteria invade and live within white blood cells called granulocytes. HGE is a newly recognized disease that is emerging in areas with high rates of Lyme disease. How is HGE spread? HGE is transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. In Connecticut, the Ixodes scapularis (black-legged or deer) tick transmits HGE. This is the same tick that transmits Lyme disease. Who gets HGE? Although everyone is susceptible to the disease, people who spend time outdoors in tick infested areas are at an increased risk of exposure. What are the symptoms of HGE? Not everyone infected with HGE becomes sick. The symptoms of HGE infections are mostly nonspecific, and the illness can range from very mild to very severe. Most patients will experience a rapid onset of fever, shaking chills, muscle or joint pain, and severe headache. Less frequent symptoms may include malaise, nausea, vomiting, acute weight loss, and skin ra
