The recent decision to mandate the reporting of Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and anaplasmosis by healthcare providers in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a significant development in public health. While there are no current outbreaks, the potential for these diseases to cause severe health effects and their increasing prevalence in the region warrants careful attention. This article delves into the details of these diseases, their implications, and the measures being taken to mitigate their impact.
Alveolar Echinococcosis: A Rare but Severe Disease
AE, also known as fox tapeworm, is a rare but severe disease caused by bacteria from a parasitic tapeworm that lives in foxes, coyotes, and rodents. It can also impact family pets. The disease is asymptomatic early, causing cysts in the liver that slowly grow, potentially going years before producing symptoms. Symptoms include pain, discomfort in the upper abdominal area, weakness, and weight loss, which may mimic liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. If left untreated, AE is fatal.
The prevalence of AE has increased, and it is now estimated that 20 to 30 percent of the province's foxes and coyotes are infected. People can become infected by accidentally swallowing tapeworm eggs in food, water, or soil contaminated by stool or from handling infected animals. The eggs are tolerant to cold and freezing temperatures, capable of surviving prolonged periods. AE has been seen in European countries, including in central Europe where it's considered endemic.
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, emphasizes the importance of monitoring AE and prevention. She advises hand hygiene after handling pets or their feces, avoiding raw fruits, vegetables, and water potentially contaminated with feces of infected animals, and consulting with a veterinarian about deworming medications. Pet owners should also wash promptly any pets that have scent rolled in wild animal feces.
Anaplasmosis: A Tick-Borne Disease
Anaplasmosis is an acute, tick-borne bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of a black-legged tick, the same tick that transmits Lyme disease. The risk of encountering ticks is highest in the spring and summer, and the risk of transmission is low if the tick is removed from a person within 24 hours. Symptoms of anaplasmosis are similar to other tick-borne diseases: fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches. Anaplasmosis is treated with antibiotics.
The risk of public exposure to anaplasmosis is very low, and it remains low. P.E.I. has seen two cases of anaplasmosis within the last year, both of which involved travel. Morrison advises using a bug spray with DEET, walking on clear paths, and bathing within the first couple of hours after returning from the outdoors. She also recommends wearing light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and pants to spot ticks more easily.
The Role of Climate Change
Both AE and anaplasmosis are influenced by climate change. Anaplasmosis is a result of climate change and the occurrence of some tick-borne diseases becoming more prominent in parts of the country. As temperatures rise, ticks are expanding their range, leading to an increased risk of tick-borne diseases in new areas.
Conclusion
The addition of AE and anaplasmosis to the list of reportable diseases in PEI is a proactive step towards better public health management. While the risk of exposure is currently low, the potential for these diseases to cause severe health effects and their increasing prevalence in the region warrants careful monitoring and prevention measures. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can help protect themselves and their communities from these potentially serious diseases.
