Complications and death are most common in persons whose spleens have been removed. Other people usually have a milder illness and often get better on their own. A combination of anti-parasite medicines can be effective in treating babesiosis. It is not known how common babesiosis is in the United States. Most people have no symptoms, and those who do are usually older persons and people who are already sick with other conditions.
Most cases occur during spring, summer, and fall.
The first case was reported from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, in 1969. Since then, babesiosis has emerged as a health threat in the United States, with increasing reports of babesiosis symptoms and some deaths in areas where the risk of infection was not previously recognized. No vaccine is available to protect humans against babesiosis. Wear a hat, and tie hair back. Use insecticides to repel or kill ticks.