Tickborne diseases are on the rise in the US Northeast, jumping 25% from 2011 to 2019. One in particular has become endemic in three new states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Thursday.
Cases of Babesiosis—a potentially fatal condition caused by microscopic parasites carried by black lice—have skyrocketed. Cases increased by 1,602% in Vermont, 1,422% in Maine, and 3,272% in New Hampshire during that time, according to CDC data.
Historically, Babesiosis was not considered endemic in the country. But now, the federal health agency says in a report, which calls on public health workers to pay attention to the disease, how to identify it, and how to prevent it.
What is babesiosis?
It is a disease caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. The parasite is usually carried by fleas, white rats, and other small mammals, according to the CDC.
What are the symptoms of babesiosis?
This disease can cause a variety of illnesses, from no symptoms to death. However, the most common symptoms include:
- fever
- muscle and joint pain
- headache
More severe symptoms may include:
- kidney failure
- low blood platelet count
- acute respiratory distress syndrome, where blood oxygen levels drop dangerously low
How do people catch babesiosis?
Babesiosis is usually spread by black or deer ticks—especially young ticks in the nymph stage. Nymphs are usually found during the spring and summer in areas with woods, brush, or grass. Some nymphs are as small as poppy seeds, so you don’t even know you’ve been bitten. That’s why it’s important to check for ticks every day if you’ve visited a high-risk area.
You can also get Babesiosis through contaminated blood transfusions, or through childbirth (mothers can pass it on to their children).
Who is most at risk of getting babesiosis?
People at high risk of illness and death include:
- immunocompromised (perhaps due to cancer or AIDS)
- who do not have a spleen
- those suffering from serious diseases such as liver or kidney disease
- parents
In what country am I most likely to catch babesiosis?
So far, babesiosis is considered endemic in only seven countries, according to the CDC:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Wisconsin
Previous studies have documented reports of babesiosis in certain areas of the US, including New York from 2011 to 2015. Cases reported by the state to the CDC increased by nearly 60% from 2011 to 2019, according to federal health data. What’s more, New York reported the largest number of cases among all the states reported during that period.
How to prevent babesiosis?
People who spend time outdoors in countries where Babeiosis is endemic—and in bordering countries—should do the following, according to the CDC:
- Avoid tick-infested areas.
- Wear long pants.
- Avoid underbrush and long grass.
- Use flea repellants.
- Check for fleas daily.