Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

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An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.

What is Babesiosis?

Babesiosis (say: bab-e-see-oh-sis) is a rare illness that is caused by a parasite, or bug, that lives in some ticks. Deer ticks carry the parasite that causes this illness. Whenever you find a tick on you or on someone else, try to save it to show to your doctor.

A tick must stay attached to your body for at least 24 hours before it can pass on this parasite.

Babesiosis infections have been reported in many parts of the United States. The most common areas are in Connecticut and on the islands off Massachusetts and New York.

What are the symptoms of babesiosis?

Symptoms include fever (as high as 104°F), chills, sweating, weakness, tiredness, poor appetite and headache.

Some persons with the illness may not have symptoms. But sometimes the illness quickly becomes serious and can even cause death. Babesiosis can affect persons of all ages, but most people who get it are in their 40s or 50s.

How can my doctor tell if I have babesiosis?

Your doctor will need to do blood tests to see if you have this illness. Your doctor might do more blood tests to look for other infections that ticks carry.

How is babesiosis treated?

Two antibiotics are usually needed for treatment. If you have babesiosis, you may need to go to a hospital to be treated.

If you develop shortness of breath or any other symptoms after you start taking the antibiotics, tell your doctor right away.

How can I prevent babesiosis?

Stay away from places where ticks are common during the months of May through September. This is very important if you've had your spleen removed, if you have had an organ transplant or if you have HIV infection, AIDS or other problems with your immune system.

You may want to use insect repellent when you are outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy places. One of the best tick repellents is N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET. Products with 10 to 35 percent DEET will provide good protection under most conditions.

Early removal of ticks is important. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where ticks live you should check yourself for ticks every day. Check your pets also, because they may carry ticks into your home.

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This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.

Copyright © 2001 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

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