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    Maryland Department of Health
    Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

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    Babesiosis Fact Sheet

    PDF Version for this Fact Sheet

    Babesiosis

    • Babesiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Babesia.
    • Babesia parasites infect the red blood cells.
    • The most common cause of babesiosis in humans in the Unites States is Babesia microti.
    • In the United States, babesiosis most commonly occurs in the Northeast and upper Midwest.

    Babesiosis is transmitted in nature by the bite of infected ticks

    • Ixodes scapularis, also called the blacklegged (or deer) tick, transmits the infection in nature.
    • I.scapularis can also transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
    • Transmission can also occur in blood products such as blood transfusions.

    Some, but not all, people with babesiosis develop symptoms

    • When symptoms do occur, they usually appear 1 week to a few months after a tick bite.
    • Some people develop nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue.
    • Because Babesia parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, babesiosis can cause hemolytic anemia.
    • Complications can occur and disease is most severe for the elderly, for individuals who are immunocompromised, and for those without a spleen.

    Diagnosis and treatment

    • The Babesia parasites can be seen in blood viewed under a microscope.
    • There are other blood tests that can help diagnose babesiosis.
    • See your doctor right away if you think you might have babesiosis.
    • For ill patients, babesiosis usually is treated for at least 7-10 days with a combination of 2 drugs.
    • Make sure you inform your doctor of any recent tick bites.

    Keep Ticks Off

    • Ticks are most active from late spring through early fall.
    • Insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET is recommended to prevent tick bites.
    • Repellents with up to 30% DEET can safely be used on children over 2 months of age.
    • Treat clothes with permethrin (don't use permethrin directly on skin).
    • Long pants and long sleeves help keep ticks off of skin, and tucking pant legs into socks and shirts into pants keeps ticks on outside of clothing.
    • Light colored clothing lets you spot ticks more easily.
    • Talk to your veterinarian about tick control products for your pets.
    • When enjoying the outdoors, be aware that wooded or brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter are prime tick habitat.  Walk in the center of the trail.
    • Check yoruself, your kids and your pets daily for ticks when spending time in tick habitat.
    • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (within 2 hours) to wash off ticks.

    To Remove Ticks

    • Use fine-tipped tweezers.
    • Grab the tick close to the skin; do not twist or jerk the tick.
    • Gently pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub.
    • Clean the site of the tick bite with soap and water or an antiseptic.
    • Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove ticks.

    For more information on tickborne disease, visit:


     



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