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.