What is Babesiosis?

Babesiosis is an infection of the red blood cells with the parasite Babesia. It is common in animals. Babesiosis was first recognized in humans in 1969 on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, but it has now been recognized throughout the Northeast and in a few other parts of the United States. Although more than 100 species of Babesia have been identified, only a few have been recognized as causing human infections. In New Jersey, Babesia microti is the species that causes infection.

Who gets Babesiosis?

Babesiosis is limited to those who live in, or have recently traveled to, the northeastern United States. Few cases have been reported in California, Washington, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Although anyone can get babesiosis, the disease most severely affects the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have had their spleen removed.

How is Babesiosis spread?

Babesiosis is most commonly spread to humans by the bite of a tick infected with the Babesia parasite. Babesiosis is spread by deer ticks, which are carried mainly by deer, meadow voles, and mice. Deer ticks also spread Lyme disease. Humans can be infected with both babesiosis and Lyme disease at the same time.

What are the symptoms of Babesiosis?

Babesiosis in otherwise healthy individuals are usually asymptomatic. Early symptoms are tiredness, loss of appetite, and a general ill feeling. As the infection progresses, these symptoms are followed by fever, drenching sweats, muscle aches, and headache. The symptoms can last from several days to several months. Rarely, the illness can be life-threatening.

How soon do symptoms occur?

Symptoms can take anywhere from 1 to 12 months to develop after the bite of an infected tick, but less time in persons who have weakened immune systems.

How is Babesiosis diagnosed?

Babesiosis is diagnosed by examining the blood under a microscope. When present, the Babesia parasite can be seen inside red blood cells.

What is the treatment for Babesiosis?

A combination of anti-parasite medications can be effective in treating babesiosis.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

Babesiosis can be spread only by the bite of an infected tick. Infected individuals cannot spread the disease to others.

How can Babesiosis be prevented?

There is no vaccine available to protect humans against babesiosis. You can reduce your risk by taking these precautions against tick bites:

• Avoid wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter.
• Make your yard less attractive to ticks: mow lawns and prune trees
• Wear solid, light colored clothing with pants tucked into socks. Use insect repellent for yourself
  and your pets. Read label directions carefully.
• Examine yourself frequently while in tick-infested areas.
• Perform a full-body exam on yourself, children, and pets after leaving tick habitat.
• Remove attached ticks promptly, using fine-pointed tweezers.
• Grasp the tick's mouth parts close to the skin.
• Apply steady outward pressure.
• Do not use petroleum jelly, noxious chemicals, or hot objects to remove ticks. Improper removal can increase the chances of infection.

More about Babesiosis

• Surveillance Case Definitions