Tick-borne diseases on the rise in Northeast, warns CDC.
Babesiosis, a tick-borne illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Babesia microti, is becoming more common in the northeastern U.S. and is now considered "endemic" in three additional states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The parasite invades red blood cells and can cause flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases, can be severe and even deadly. The CDC recommends tick bite prevention measures for those spending time outdoors in states with endemic babesiosis.