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Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a rare parasitic disease that can be passed to humans by deer ticks.

Babesiosis may not always cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they usually start 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite. Symptoms of babesiosis include:

  • A general feeling of illness (malaise).
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Tiredness.
  • Fever, chills, and sweats that come and go.
  • Muscle aches (myalgias).

Babesiosis usually is treated with antibiotic medicines.

Last Revised: October 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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