Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. The majority of human cases occur as a result of exposure to areas known to have infected blacklegged ticks. Most infections are asymptomatic; however, infected individuals may develop mild to severe systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea or fatigue. Babesiosis may also cause a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia, with symptoms including fatigue, jaundice and dark urine. Other severe symptoms include thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The best prevention is to avoid tick bites by using insect repellent, wearing proper clothing, removing ticks as soon as possible after bites and removing tick habitats from around the home. This infection became a Disease of Public Health Significance on July 1, 2023.