Over the past several years the once overlooked tick-borne illness called lyme disease has moved into the spotlight, finally getting the attention that this often dibilitating disease deserves. Lyme is not the only pathogen that is transmitted by ticks. What brings this to greater concern is that transmittal of disease is not always via ticks, it is now found to be transferable via blood transfusions.

Babesiosis, a disease spread by two species of parasites, Babesia microti and Babesia duncani, is usually transferred via deer ticks. These ticks are typically found in the upper midwest and northeast.

What are the Symptoms of Babesiosis?

It takes up to four weeks for the symptoms to appear, but it can take longer. The most common symptoms appear flu-like, with headaches, muscle aching, sweating, nausea, fatigue, fever, and general weakness. This potentially life-threatening disease can caluse anemia as well. Babesiosis can also cause liver or kidney failure, or heart and lung issues, even in those who do not exhibit symptoms.

Who is most at risk? The usual, those with a compromised immune system, infants, and the elderly. Those with spleen problems are also at risk.

How Do They Screen For Babesiosis?

There’s no FDA approved screening test at this time for blood donors to stop the possible spread via blood transfusion. Given that there have been only 160 or so documented cases since the late ’70′s we are told that we need not be concerned, that, “This is not HIV”.

Tick related illness was written off for many decades, but now is getting the attention it deserves. Do we treat the symptoms, making it appear to be treated, or do we treat the cause? The key is to stop viruses, bacteria, and fungi from replicating within our system, and build a strong immune system for the long run.