Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a rare parasitic disease that can be passed to humans by deer ticks.

Babesiosis may not always cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they usually start 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite. Symptoms of babesiosis include:

  • A general feeling of illness (malaise).
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Tiredness.
  • Fever, chills, and sweats that come and go.
  • Muscle aches (myalgias).

Babesiosis usually is treated with antibiotic medicines.

Current as of: November 18, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine & W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease