Office of Communicable Diseases

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a potentially severe, and sometimes fatal tick-borne disease caused by an infection with a red blood cell parasite. A more severe and prolonged illness is more likely to be found in persons older than 60, those who have had their spleen removed, and those who are immunocompromised (e.g. persons with HIV infection or AIDS).

Information on the disease and its prevention  .

Human Babesia microti Incidence and Ixodes scapularis Distribution, Rhode Island, 1998-2004. Emerging Infectious Diseases, April 2007.

What are the Babesiosis rates in Rhode Island?

Who can I contact at the Department of Health about Babesiosis?

Call the Office of Communicable Diseases at 401-222-2577.