Babesiosis, a rare tick-borne parasitic disease, is on the rise in some states in the US, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease occurs when a microscopic parasite infects red blood cells and is transmitted by black-legged or deer ticks, similar to the transmission of Lyme disease. The report showed that cases of babesiosis saw a significant increase between 2011 and 2019 in some northeastern states, with 16,456 cases reported in 37 states. Experts suggest that climate change may be behind the increase as ticks become more prevalent in warm and wet areas. Symptoms of babesiosis mimic those of the cold and flu, making it difficult to diagnose. Prevention measures such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent may help deter infected ticks.
Important Details about Rare tick-borne babesiosis disease on the rise in northeastern US, says CDC: Here’s why –
– Babesiosis is a rare tick-borne parasitic disease that is spiking in some Northeastern states in the US.
– The CDC reported a significant uptick in cases of babesiosis between 2011 and 2019 in some northeastern states, with a total of 16,456 cases reported in 37 states.
– The disease is most prevalent in warm, wet areas and is transmitted by black-legged ticks or deer ticks.
– Babesiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells and people infected may experience fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, headache, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and in extreme cases, respiratory distress or multi-organ failure.
– Higher-risk patients are those who have had splenectomies or those living with HIV, people who are over 55, young children, or people who take immunosuppressants for autoimmune disorders.
– Treatment involves antimicrobials with anti-parasitic properties, and with treatment, babesiosis patients usually recover fully within seven to 10 days.
– Education and preparation are key to prevention, with avoiding wooded areas, wearing long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks that cover the ankles, and using insect repellent all recommended to deter infected ticks.
Babesiosis and Lyme Disease: Tick-Borne Concerns in the U.S.
Lyme disease is one of the most commonly reported tick-borne illnesses in the United States, but it’s not the only one. Babesiosis, a rare tick-borne parasitic disease, has seen a significant uptick in some states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The parasite babesia causes babesiosis by infecting red blood cells.
Between 2011 and 2019, 16,456 cases of babesiosis were reported in 37 U.S. states. Some states saw a noteworthy increase from this disease. Vermont experienced a 1,602% increase from two to 34 cases, Maine saw a 1,422% increase from nine to 138 cases, New Hampshire had a 372% increase from 13 to 78 cases, and Connecticut had a 338% increase from 74 to 328 cases. Other states that saw an increase in cases include Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Climate Change and Parasitic Spread
Doctor MarkAlain Déry, an infectious disease doctor and chief innovation officer at Access Health Louisiana, believes that climate change contributes to the spread of babesiosis. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Déry said that climate change is an ongoing discussion in the infectious disease community for over 10 years. He also added that as climate change occurs, different pathogens begin to expand their ecological niche.
Déry blames climate change for not only an increase in cases in states where babesiosis was already endemic, but also for new endemic states, predominantly in the New England area. Babesiosis is most prevalent in warm, wet areas, according to Déry. As the climate gets warmer, pathogens we wouldn’t typically see in the US country could expand their reach, he noted.
Babesiosis and Lyme: Same Transmission, Different Diseases
Babesiosis and Lyme disease share similarities when it comes to transmission. Ticks transmit both diseases, albeit Lyme disease is a bacterium and not a parasite. Dr. Déry stated that in areas where Lyme is rampant, it’s common to also see babesiosis.
Notably, Lyme disease causes a distinctive “bulls-eye” rash, which does not happen with babesiosis. Nonetheless, both diseases have similar symptoms.
Warning Signs of Babesiosis
Because some of the most common symptoms of babesiosis mimic those of the cold and flu, many cases go undiagnosed. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, headache, cough, and muscle aches. In severe cases, patients may have an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, or visual changes.
Very rarely, higher-risk patients may suffer from respiratory distress, heart failure, kidney failure, or multi-organ failure. People with certain conditions, such as those who have had splenectomies, young children, individuals over 55 years old, and those with autoimmune disorders that take immunosuppressants, are at a higher risk of complications.
Treatment of Babesiosis
Babesiosis, much like a viral cold, usually runs its course, lasting roughly seven to ten days. However, unlike a viral cold, patients must seek treatment, according to Dr. Déry.
Antimicrobial medications with anti-parasitic properties, such as azithromycin and atovaquone, are the standard treatments for babesiosis. With treatment, patients typically recover fully within 7-10 days.
Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases
For those living in or travelling to states where babesiosis is endemic, staying out of wooded areas is the most effective way to avoid infection. When spending time outdoors, Dr. Déry recommends wearing long pants, long sleeves, and shoes and socks that cover the ankles. Furthermore, insect repellent will also help deter infected ticks.
Conclusion
Babesiosis, a rare tick-borne parasitic disease, has seen a significant increase in some states in recent years. Climate change may be the driving force behind this uptick. Babesiosis and Lyme disease share similarities with regard to transmission, but differ in symptoms. The best course of action to prevent infection is to stay out of wooded areas, wear long clothing, and use insect repellent when spending time outdoors.