It seems that ticks carry other diseases other than Lyme
A disease that can be potentially deadly is occurring from ticks. The disease is called "Babesiosis" and is on the rise in the East Coast. There has been at least 1,000 cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. People that are immune compromised are at greater risk and it may even be fatal to them. The patients that are the most susceptible have HIV/AIDS, cancer or the elderly. The deer tick is the culprit in transmitting Babesiosis and Lyme these two can occur simultaneously. Diagnosis may be difficult or even missed. Unfortunately, many may go without any symptoms and donating blood can transmit the disease. This disease has been frequently transmitted and has caused 12 deaths in the last 10 years. There has been at least six deaths in New York City in 2009.
Symptoms:
Chills
Sweats
Headaches
Muscle and joint pain
loss of appetite
fever
Incubation Period:
5-33 days
The parasites effect the red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia very similar to malaria. Many do recover and have mild symptoms and can even go unnoticed. When the disease is combined with Lyme the symptoms are more severe. In Europe, Babesiosis is an life threatening disease and it attacks the spleen
causing "Asplenia" (abnormal spleen function).
A CBC (blood test) will determine the severity of the disease.
Antibiotics "clindamycin and quinine, atovaquone and azithromycin may be used to treat the disease.
Tick repellant may be a preventive measure and also wearing clothing that covers skin during tick season.
MS Journal. Medical Surgical Encyclopedia. (May 4, 2007). Babesiosis. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from
MS Journal: Babesiosis
Sawyer, D. (June 22, 2011). Babesiosis: Backyard Killer Mimics Malaria and Is on Rise.
abcNEWS/Health. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from
Page 2: Babesiosis, Tick-Borne Disease That Mimics Malaria and Can Be Fatal, Is on the Rise - ABC News
5-33 days
The parasites effect the red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia very similar to malaria. Many do recover and have mild symptoms and can even go unnoticed. When the disease is combined with Lyme the symptoms are more severe. In Europe, Babesiosis is an life threatening disease and it attacks the spleen
causing "Asplenia" (abnormal spleen function).
A CBC (blood test) will determine the severity of the disease.
Antibiotics "clindamycin and quinine, atovaquone and azithromycin may be used to treat the disease.
Tick repellant may be a preventive measure and also wearing clothing that covers skin during tick season.
MS Journal. Medical Surgical Encyclopedia. (May 4, 2007). Babesiosis. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from
MS Journal: Babesiosis
Sawyer, D. (June 22, 2011). Babesiosis: Backyard Killer Mimics Malaria and Is on Rise.
abcNEWS/Health. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from
Page 2: Babesiosis, Tick-Borne Disease That Mimics Malaria and Can Be Fatal, Is on the Rise - ABC News
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