Many of those who are from the Northeast are familiar with Lyme disease, as it is caused by a bite from a tick. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States, however, another has been on the rise called babesiosis. In March of 2023, the CDC noted that babesiosis is now in 10 states in both the Northeast and Midwest.
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by a parasite from the tick bite. It infects red blood cells and is spread by black-legged ticks that are also known as deer ticks. It most often has to be attached to someone for 36 hours in order to transmit the parasite.
However, you may or may not see a tick bite on your skin, so symptoms may be the earliest sign of infection. Some people with babesiosis have no symptoms, but the most common are as follows:
Symptoms can appear anywhere within one to nine weeks, so it could be several months after someone is infected. Though not as common babesiosis can cause hemolytic anemia, which destroys red blood cells faster than the body can replicate them.
Babesiosis can be severe, especially for those with a weak immune system and for adults over the age of 65. That’s why protection is important to safety.
Since babesiosis takes weeks to months to show symptoms it’s best to be proactive in protection. Babesiosis can also only be confirmed via blood test, but it can be treated with antibiotics. However, preventing tick-borne illnesses is the best way to deal with them. You can check clothing regularly after spending time outdoors and wear light-colored pants, long sleeves, and a hat. You can use EPA-approved insect repellents. When spending time in the great outdoors – it is best to avoid any bushwhacking and stay in the center of well-maintained trails. Be sure to leave clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes after coming indoors, and take a shower/check yourself and pets within 2 hours of coming inside to help keep you safe. If you want to learn more about how our outdoor pest solutions can help you to avoid contact with ticks in your yard, please call us at 201-365-9886 and see how we can help!
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