by Lyme disease may have the distinction of being the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the US, but it’s not the only one.
Babesiosis, a rare tick-borne parasitic disease, is on the rise in some states.
The CDC reported on Friday that babesiosis cases rose significantly in some northeastern states between 2011 and 2019.
In that time frame, a total of 16,456 cases were reported in 37 states. Eight US states saw notable increases.
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The biggest jumps were seen in Vermont (1,602%, from two to 34 cases), Maine (1,422%, from nine to 138 cases), New Hampshire (372%, from 13 to 78 cases), and Connecticut (338%, from 74 fallen). to 328).
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont also saw increases.
Doctor blames climate change for parasitic spread
Babesiosis is a disease that occurs when a microscopic parasite, babesia, infects red blood cells.
MarkAlain Dery, DO, MPH, infectious disease physician and chief innovation officer at Access Health Louisianawas not surprised to learn of the increase in tick-borne illness.
The CDC reported that a tick-borne parasitic disease, babesiosis, is on the rise in some northeastern states. (iStock)
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he said this has been an ongoing discussion in the infectious disease community for more than a decade.
“As we’ve seen more impacts from climate change, we expected that we would probably start to see different pathogens begin to expand the range of their ecological niche,” said Dr. Dery.
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“Not only did we see an increase in cases in states where it was already endemic, but we also saw new endemic states, mostly in the New England region.”
Babesiosis is most common in warm, wet areas, he added.
“I wouldn’t be surprised other viral diseases also increase, such as chikungunya, dengue or yellow fever, or parasitic infections such as malaria,” Dery said.
“Even one degree difference in temperature is enough for pathogens to extend their range.”
“As the climate warms, there’s a higher chance that pathogens that we wouldn’t normally see in the U.S. would spread to the country.”
“Even one degree difference in temperature is enough for pathogens to extend their range,” he added.
Babesiosis and Lyme: Same Transmission, Different Diseases
Transmitted by black-legged ticks or deer ticks, babesiosis is most common in some northeastern and northern regions upper Midwestern statesprimarily during the warmer seasons, according to the CDC’s website.
Lyme disease is transmitted by the same type of tick, but it is a bacteria and not a parasite.
Babesiosis is most common in warm, wet areas, an infectious disease doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“In areas where Lyme is common, you’re also likely to see babesiosis,” said Dr. Dery.
The two diseases share some common symptoms.
However, Lyme causes a distinctive “bulls-eye” rash, which does not happen with babesiosis. (According to medical experts, not everyone with Lyme disease develops a rash.)
Warning signs of babesiosis
Some of the most common babesiosis symptoms mimic those of the common cold and fluwhich can mean that many cases go undiagnosed.
People who are infected may experience fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headache, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat.
In more extreme cases, Dr. Déry that patients may have an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice or visual changes.
People who are infected may experience fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headache, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat.
Very rarely, patients at higher risk may be affected breathing problemsheart failure, renal failure or multi-organ failure.
Some of the most common babesiosis symptoms mimic those of the common cold and flu, which can mean that many cases go undiagnosed. (iStock)
The patients at highest risk are those who have had splenectomies, a surgical procedure to remove a damaged or diseased spleen.
“When the babesia parasite enters the system, it goes through multiple cycles in the body,” explains Dr. Dery out.
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“One of the last cycles is passing through the spleen, which helps attack the parasite that lives in the red blood cells. People who don’t have a spleen don’t have that last pass, so they’re at greater risk.” risk of parasitemia, which is when the parasite enters the blood.”
Other high-risk groups include people living with HIV, those over 55, young children or people taking immunosuppressants for autoimmune conditions, the doctor said.
Wearing long pants and long sleeves and using insect repellent will help deter infected ticks. (iStock)
“For the vast majority of people, babesiosis will run its course just like the flu,” the doctor said.
Anyone diagnosed with the disease should seek treatment, Dr Déry said.
“Unlike a viral cold or a mild form of COVIDit’s something you have to deal with,” he said.
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The most common medications are antimicrobials with antiparasitic properties, such as azithromycin and atovaquone.
With treatment, babesiosis patients usually recover fully within seven to 10 days.
Education, preparation key to prevention
For those living in or traveling to the states where babesiosis is endemic, avoiding forested areas is the best way to avoid infection.
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When spending time outdoors, Dr. Déry to wear long pants, long sleeves, and shoes and socks that cover the ankles.
Using insect repellent will also help deter infected ticks.
