BABESIOSIS

Babesiosis is a disease caused by the bites of a tick infected with Babesia microti, a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells. This disease is not spread from person to person and often rare but can be severe. Blood transfusion and passing from mother to her baby during pregnancy often contributed to the spreading of Babesiosis.

Most people infected with Babesiosis don’t develop symptoms. However if they do, it may include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Body Aches
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea Fatigue
  • Sometimes Lead to a Special Type of Anemia Called Hemolytic Anemia (A Condition where Red Blood Cells are Destroyed)

Severe symptoms may include:

  • Blood Clots
  • Organ Failure
  • Unstable Blood Pressure

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose Babesiosis, your doctor may perform a physical exam. Tick bite marks can be a good indicator. Blood test may be done to confirm if the blood is contaminated with the parasite.

 

TREATMENT

Effective drug therapies are available to treat Babesiosis. It may be a combination of:

  • Quinine and Clindamycin
  • Atovaquone and Azithromycin

Be sure to talk with your doctor about the treatments since it may come along with other diseases such as Lyme disease.

 

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent in having this disease is to avoid exposure to tick habitats. You may also apply repellents to skin and clothing to help keep ticks away.

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