Key points
- Ehrlichiosis symptoms can lead to more serious illness if untreated.
- Blood tests can look for evidence of ehrlichiosis.
- Test results may take several weeks.
- If ehrlichiosis is suspected, treatment should be started while waiting for test results.
![A testing vial of blood.](/ehrlichiosis/media/images/Vialofblood.jpg)
Why get tested
People with ehrlichiosis will often have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes upset stomach. If untreated, ehrlichiosis can cause severe illness.
![A sick woman lies in bed, looking at a thermometer and holding her hand on her head.](/ehrlichiosis/media/images/Sickwomaninbed_1.jpg)
When to get tested
- Your healthcare provider can order certain blood tests to look for evidence of ehrlichiosis or other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
- Test results may take several weeks.
- If your healthcare provider thinks you have ehrlichiosis or another tickborne infection, they may prescribe antibiotics while you wait for test results.