Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a disease caused by parasites Babesia microti that infect red blood cells. Most U.S. cases occur in the Northeast and upper Midwest, particularly in parts of New England, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Transmitted primarily by the bite of the Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis).
Babesiosis Symptoms
Many people who are infected with B. microti feel fine and do not have any symptoms. Incubation time from an infected tick bite is 1 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms include: Fever, chills, sweats, malaise, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. Because Babesia parasites infect red blood cells, babesiosis can cause hemolytic anemia (from the destruction of red blood cells), renal failure, renal failure and death in severe cases.
