Lyme Disease

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a malaria-related illness which, like Lyme disease, is transmitted to humans by tick bites.  It is caused by the parasite Babesia microti.  Often individuals infected with babesiosis are also infected with Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.  Most people in the US who become infected with babesiosis will experience no symptoms, but others could have fatigue, fever, malaise, jaundice, and anemia.  Symptoms can last from several days to several months and usually appear 1-4 weeks after infection.  In asymptomatic individuals, the disease typically goes away on its own.  When diagnosed, babesiosis is usually treated with the antibiotics clindamycin and quinine.  Babesiosis is sometimes fatal, especially in the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and those who have had their spleens removed.

Carried by:

• Deer Tick
• Western Black-Legged Tick

Health Data and Statistics on Babesiosis  

Babesiosis in Pets

For more information on babesiosis:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/babesia/default.htm

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