The epidemiology of human ehrlichiosis in Texas, 2008-2017

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases in the United States, including ehrlichiosis, represent a growing public health problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the contemporary epidemiology of human ehrlichiosis in Texas by analyzing cases reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services. In Texas, 101 cases of ehrlichiosis were reported during 2008-2017. We observed geographic grouping of cases as well as an increasing trend of reported cases occurring annually from 2009 to 2017. Notably, 27 cases occurred in 2008 in south Texas with unique patient characteristics in that they were younger, less likely to be hospitalized, and presented with disease earlier in the year than typically seen. Our findings highlight the importance of disease awareness and prevention of tick bites as well as further investigation into transmission risk and future disease patterns.

Keywords: Abbreviations; Ehrlichia chaffeensis; Ehrlichiosis; Epidemiology; Texas; Texas Department of State Health Services; Tick-borne disease; TxDSHS.