03/17/26 Public Health Education Topic: Babesiosis
- Health Department
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Per CDC
Key points
Babesiosis is a disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells.
It spreads through tick bites, primarily by blacklegged (deer) ticks.
Some people show no symptoms, others have flu-like symptoms.
Babesiosis is preventable and treatable.
How it spreads
In the U.S. most Babesia infections are from blacklegged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) bites. Ticks are typically found in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. Currently, most babesiosis cases occur in the Northeast and upper Midwest.
Other less common ways of getting infected with Babesia include:
Getting a blood transfusion that has the parasite in it.
If a mother has babesiosis, she might pass it to her baby during pregnancy or when the baby is born.
Babesia parasites do not spread from person-to-person like the flu or the common cold.
Signs and symptoms
Many people with Babesiosis do not feel sick and have no symptoms. However, some people might get flu-like symptoms, such as:
Fever
Chills
Sweats
Headache
Body aches
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Fatigue
Since the parasites attack red blood cells, babesiosis can lead to hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia occurs when your red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. Babesiosis can become a serious, even life-threatening illness for certain people, especially those who:
Do not have a spleen
Have a weak immune system for other reasons such as cancer, lymphoma, or HIV
Have serious health issues such as liver or kidney disease
Are older (> 50 years old)
Symptoms, if they appear, may start around a week after infection, but usually develop over a few weeks or months, or longer.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of babesiosis, avoid outdoor areas infested with ticks. If you are in these areas, use tick repellents, wear socks, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, and check yourself and pets for ticks before going inside.
To learn more please visit: About Babesiosis | Babesiosis | CDC
