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Babesiosis

All articles tagged with #babesiosis

Life on a Maine Island Battling Tick-Borne Diseases
health4 months ago

Life on a Maine Island Battling Tick-Borne Diseases

Residents of Islesboro, Maine, are facing increasing cases of tick-borne diseases like Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, leading to health concerns and lifestyle changes. Efforts to control deer populations and raise awareness are ongoing, but the rising tick population and climate change pose ongoing challenges, with residents worried about future risks and the need for better prevention and treatment options.

Potential Spread of Rare Tick-Borne Illness into Virginia
health8 months ago

Potential Spread of Rare Tick-Borne Illness into Virginia

Experts warn that babesiosis, a parasitic tick-borne disease, is spreading southward into Virginia, with cases rising due to the migration of the northern blacklegged tick. Although still less common than Lyme disease, babesiosis poses serious health risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals, and awareness among medical professionals and the public is crucial for prevention and early diagnosis.

Rare Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Virginia
health8 months ago

Rare Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Virginia

A rare tick-borne disease called babesiosis, caused by a parasite similar to malaria, is increasingly spreading into Virginia, with cases rising over the past decade, especially along the Eastern Shore. The disease, transmitted by deer ticks, can cause flu-like symptoms and severe complications in vulnerable populations. Public health officials advise preventive measures against tick bites and proper tick removal to reduce infection risk.

Surge in U.S. Malaria Cases Raises Alarm
health1 year ago

Surge in U.S. Malaria Cases Raises Alarm

A study by Penn State researchers reveals that cases of babesiosis, a tick-borne disease often called "American malaria," have increased by 9% annually in the U.S. from 2015 to 2022. Nearly half of those affected were also co-infected with other tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, though co-infection does not increase mortality risk. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures in high-risk areas, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, and suggests that doxycycline, commonly used for Lyme disease, may also be effective against babesiosis.

"Combo Therapy Achieves Breakthrough in Babesiosis Elimination in Mice"
health-and-medicine2 years ago

"Combo Therapy Achieves Breakthrough in Babesiosis Elimination in Mice"

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new combination therapy that effectively eliminates drug-resistant babesiosis in mice, potentially offering immunity against future infections. The therapy combines the antimalarial drug tafenoquine with atovaquone, an anti-fungal/anti-parasite drug. This treatment cleared infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mouse models and led to the development of protective immunity against the Babesia parasites. The findings could also contribute to the development of a babesiosis vaccine and offer insights into treatments for human malaria.

Tick-borne diseases on the rise, including incurable meat allergy.
health2 years ago

Tick-borne diseases on the rise, including incurable meat allergy.

Babesiosis, a potentially lethal tick-borne disease, is becoming more common in certain areas of the United States, according to Dr. Michael Henshaw, associate biology professor at Grand Valley State University. Symptoms are typically mild but can become severe for the elderly or immunocompromised. To prevent babesiosis, experts suggest using repellents, wearing long clothes, and daily tick checks. Good tick removal involves grabbing the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine tweezers or specialized tools and pulling it straight out, without any twisting.

Tick-Borne Disease Outbreak Alert in NY State.
health2 years ago

Tick-Borne Disease Outbreak Alert in NY State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about a newly discovered tick-borne disease called Babesiosis, which is potentially lethal. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever, sweats, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, headache, shaking chills, and bloody urine. New York State has the second-highest number of tick-borne illnesses and Lyme Disease cases in the US. Most infections are acquired in the northeastern US and are due to a kind of Babesia called Babesia microti.

Tick-Borne Disease Outbreak Alert in NY State.
health2 years ago

Tick-Borne Disease Outbreak Alert in NY State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about a newly discovered tick-borne disease called Babesiosis, which is potentially lethal. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever, sweats, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, headache, shaking chills, and bloody urine. New York State has the second-highest number of tick-borne illnesses and Lyme Disease cases in the US. Most infections are acquired in the northeastern US and are due to a kind of Babesia called Babesia microti.

Emerging Tick-Borne Disease: What You Should Know.
health2 years ago

Emerging Tick-Borne Disease: What You Should Know.

Babesiosis, a potentially lethal tick-borne disease, is on the rise in the Northeastern United States and can be easily mistaken for a summer cold. The disease is often asymptomatic or presents with mild symptoms, but can be life-threatening for immunocompromised or asplenic patients. However, it can be treated with medication if caught early. Lyme disease, also spread by ticks, is also on the rise and presents with a telltale “bullseye” rash. Vigilance is encouraged this summer, and experts advise the “A, B, C” method to stay safe from ticks: Avoid areas where ticks are likely to be found, use bug spray with DEET or picaridin, and cover up with long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.

Tick-borne Illnesses Causing Red Meat Allergy on the Rise in Northeastern US
health2 years ago

Tick-borne Illnesses Causing Red Meat Allergy on the Rise in Northeastern US

Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease worse than Lyme disease, is now officially an endemic in every New England state, according to the CDC. The disease is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells and is most commonly spread through deer ticks. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, and those with weak immune systems or no spleen should seek medical attention. Warmer winters mean ticks live longer and spread the disease more frequently, making it a significant issue for New England. There is no vaccine for either disease, so prevention measures such as insect repellent and full-body exams are crucial.

Tick-borne Babesiosis on the Rise in Canada: Stay Safe This Season.
health2 years ago

Tick-borne Babesiosis on the Rise in Canada: Stay Safe This Season.

Babesiosis, a rare but deadly tick-borne illness, is spreading in Canada, with cases on the rise due to climate change. Babesiosis infects red blood cells and can be fatal to the elderly and immunocompromised. Symptoms include lethargy, headaches, body pain, flu-like symptoms, air-hunger, tinnitus, and night sweats. The best way to protect yourself is to prevent tick bites by doing regular tick checks, using insect repellent, wearing light-colored clothing, and staying to the center of trails while hiking. If you find a tick on your body, remove it carefully with tweezers and consult your doctor for appropriate next steps.