What is babesiosis?
Babesiosis (say: bab-e-see-oh-sis) is a rare infection of the blood caused by a parasite that lives in some ticks. Deer ticks typically carry the parasite that causes this illness.
Babesiosis infections are more common in animals than in humans, but cases have been reported in parts of the United States. Babesiosis has been reported most often in the upper midwest and the northeastern areas of the country, especially along the coasts.
Source
When to Suspect and How to Monitor Babesiosis by E Mylonakis, M.D. (American Family Physician May 15, 2001, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010515/1969.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 01/10
Created: 09/00