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Rising Cases of Babesiosis in the United States Highlight the Importance of Tick Prevention & Awareness
The Rise of Tickborne Disease Babesiosis in the United States
A recent study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases has revealed a concerning trend – the sharp rise of babesiosis, a tickborne disease often referred to as “American malaria.” The study, which looked at a nationally representative sample of about 3,500 Americans with babesiosis, found that case rates increased by 9% per year from 2015 to 2022.
Babesiosis is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. Experts warn that despite being relatively rare, babesiosis is on the rise and people should take extra precautions when outdoors, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.
The study also found that 42% of people with babesiosis also had other tickborne illnesses, with 41% having Lyme disease, almost 4% with ehrlichiosis, and a small portion with anaplasmosis. However, the study noted that those with babesiosis and another tickborne disease were not more likely to die than those with babesiosis alone.
Healthcare providers are advised to consider babesiosis in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, even if no tick bite is reported. The disease can be diagnosed through a blood test, and treatment involves a combination of antimicrobial agents over a period of time.
As the geographic range of infected ticks continues to increase, more people are at risk of contracting babesiosis. The disease is now considered endemic in several states beyond the previously known endemic regions. Experts attribute the rise in babesiosis cases to factors such as land use change, climate change, and changes in wildlife populations.
It is crucial for people living, working, or traveling to endemic areas to take precautions to avoid tick bites. This includes using tick repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Vigilance and awareness are key to preventing the spread of tickborne diseases like babesiosis.