Babesiosis - NYC Health

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Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the parasite Babesia microti. Many people infected with babesiosis do not have symptoms, but infection can sometimes be severe or fatal. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Most cases of babesiosis occur in the warmer months when ticks are most active.

Babesiosis can also rarely be transmitted through a blood transfusion. In 2018, the FDA approved a test to screen the blood supply for Babesia microti.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

Fever

Chills

Sweats

Body aches

Headaches

Tiredness

Health issues from the infection can include anemia and a low platelet count.

Severe infection is most common in people who:

Do not have a spleen

Have a weak immune system

Have other serious health conditions

Are elderly

Prevention

To prevent babesiosis and other tick-borne diseases, be mindful of where ticks are present and take actions to prevent tick bites. Blacklegged ticks that carry the parasite have been found in Staten Island and parts of the northern Bronx. Ticks are also common in areas outside of NYC, including Long Island, upstate NY, New Jersey and other northeastern states.

Treatment

Babesiosis is treated with a course of two medications. People with no signs or symptoms usually do not need to be treated. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.

Additional Resources

Tick-borne Diseases in NYC, 2021 and 2022 (PDF)

Tick-borne Diseases in NYC, 2020 (PDF)

Tick-borne Diseases in NYC, 2018 (PDF)

CDC: Babesiosis

Print copies of the below materials may be requested by calling 311.

New York City Tick ID and Removal Wallet Card (PDF)

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All About Ticks: A Workbook for Kids and Their Parents (PDF)
Other Languages: Español

Tick-borne Disease Diagnostic Reference: Poster for Providers (PDF)

Ticks taking over? Take back your yard (PDF)

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More Information

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NYC Babesiosis Data