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Babesiosis

Babesiosis image

What is babesiosis?

  • Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. 
  • There are multiple different species that have been known to infect animals, however, only a few that have been found in humans. 
  • The most common species in people is Babesia microti.
  • Babesia is transmitted by infected Ixodes scapularis ticks (also known as blacklegged ticks or deer ticks). 
  • The blacklegged tick, which is common in the Upper Peninsula and spreading in the Lower Peninsula, may also transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
  • Babesiosis is preventable if simple steps are taken to prevent tick bites.