More about Babesiosis

Babesiosis is caused by a parasite that invades red blood cells and causes malaria-like symptoms one to nine weeks after exposure. The disease affects those over 50 years of age and the immunocompromised most severely.

Symptoms of Babesiosis

Babesiosis generally produces only mild to moderate flu-like symptoms in healthy children and adults. A gradual onset of malaise, loss of appetite, and fatigue generally occur, followed by intermittent fever with temperatures as high as 104 degrees. Usually one or more of the following occur: shaking chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches and anemia. Physicians should consider babesiosis in a person presenting with a high fever and anemia, particularly in spring and early summer, in tick areas.