Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a disease you can catch from certain tick bites, caused by tiny parasites that infect your red blood cells. It's a bit like malaria because these parasites also live in red blood cells and can make you feel really sick. People with babesiosis often feel very tired, have fevers, chills, sweats, headaches, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or even get a rash. The disease is more common in certain parts of the United States, like the Northeast and upper Midwest, especially during the warmer months when ticks are more active. Most healthy people get better without any special treatment, but it can be more serious for older people, those with weak immune systems, or other health problems. If someone needs treatment, doctors usually give them a mix of antibiotics and medications that are similar to the ones used for malaria. It's important to try to avoid tick bites by using bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, and checking your skin for ticks after being outdoors to help prevent getting babesiosis.
Biomarkers in this category
12 biomarkers · optimal ranges shown
testing for a tick-borne illness
Babesiosis is an infection caused by the parasite Babesia microti.
Babesiosis is an infection caused by the parasite Babesia microti.
WA1, also known as Babesia duncani, has been associated with symptoms similar to those caused by Babesia microti. Little, if any, crossreactivity occurs between Babesia microti and WA1.