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Babesiosis
A tick-borne disease, babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. The parasites are spread to people by bites from blacklegged ticks and deer ticks. In the United States, tick-borne transmission occurs mainly in parts of the Northeast and upper Midwest and usually peaks during the warm months.
Although many people who are infected with Babesia parasites do not have symptoms, for those who do effective treatment is available. The disease may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, weakness and fatigue. It can be life-threatening. Babesiosis is preventable, if simple steps are taken to reduce exposure to ticks.
