Preventing tick bites will prevent Ehrlichiosis and many other tick-borne diseases. Common measures include the use of insect repellent, appropriate clothing, sticking to trails and avoiding dense brush when hiking and not standing under overhanging foliage. After hiking or outings in the woods it is a good idea to examine yourself for ticks and remove any that may be found. Studies suggest that a tick must be attached for about 24 hours in order to cause disease, so early removal may prevent infection. A granulocyte stain shows clumps of bacteria inside white blood cells.
Liver enzymes show elevated transaminase.
A fluorescent antibody test is positive for E. chaffeensis or granulocytic Ehrlichia. Rickettsial diseases, in general, are all responsive to a group of antibiotics belonging to the tetracyclines. Treatment with tetracycline or doxycycline produces rapid improvement. Infection may damage many organ systems but typically the lungs and kidney are involved. Several cases have resulted in death.