Do you also want to know about this tick-borne disease (Babesiosis)?

Hello! How are you? Today we are going to talk about a disease that you have not heard of, but it is very important to know. This is called `(Babesiosis)`. Maybe you have not heard of this name. But we all know about ticks. So, this disease called `(Babesiosis)` can also be transmitted to us from ticks. Don't worry, this is very rare. But, let's talk about this in a little more detail, shall we?

So, what is this `(Babesiosis)`?

Simply put, Babesiosis (also known as Redwater fever or piroplasmosis) is a disease caused by a very small, invisible parasite that enters our red blood cells. These parasites enter our bodies most often when we are bitten by a tick.

This disease is more common in some parts of the world, like the United States, especially during warmer weather, when ticks are most active. However, it is good for us in Sri Lanka to be aware of this, because ticks can be found anywhere. The important thing is that not everyone infected with this disease will show symptoms. Also, if symptoms do occur, there is treatment. So there is nothing to worry about.

How do we get this disease `(Babesiosis)`?

The main cause of this is a tiny parasite called `(Babesia microti)`. These animals are so small that we can only see them if we look at them through a microscope.

So, ticks that carry these parasites (especially the Ixodes species - they are also called black-legged ticks or deer ticks) are the ones that spread this disease. You may have heard of Lyme disease. The same ticks that spread Lyme disease can also spread Babesiosis.

How do these parasites get into these ticks? Usually, when ticks bite animals infected with these parasites, such as rats, the parasites enter the tick's body. Then, if that tick bites us, these parasites can enter our body too. Sometimes, a person can get both `(Lyme disease)` and `(Babesiosis)` at the same time.

Important: Babesiosis is not spread directly from one person to another. This means that it cannot be spread by shaking hands, eating together, or caring for someone who is sick.

However, very rarely, it can be transmitted in other ways. For example:

• Through a blood transfusion from an infected person.
• It can also be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby in the womb, but these are very rare cases.

What are the symptoms of `(Babesiosis)`?

Once the aforementioned parasites enter our blood, they begin to multiply, or infect, inside our red blood cells. This doesn't always cause symptoms. For many people, it can come and go without showing any signs.

However, some people may experience symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold or flu:

• Fever is coming.
• My body is cold and shivering.
• Sweating a lot.
• Headache.
• My body hurts.
• The food is tasteless.
• Nausea and vomiting are coming.
• I feel very tired and exhausted.

These symptoms usually appear within a week or two of infection.

Who could this be dangerous for?

While this is usually a minor problem, for some people, Babesiosis can be quite serious. Especially:

• For those with weakened immune systems: That is, people with diseases like HIV, those undergoing cancer treatment, or those who have had organ transplants.
• People with other serious health conditions: For example, people who have had their spleen removed, the elderly, and those with heart disease, lung disease, or kidney disease.

If these people get Babesiosis, the situation can become a bit more serious and include:

• Anemia: This is an abnormally low blood count because these parasites damage red blood cells.
• Low platelet levels: These are cells that help blood clot.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the eyes and skin.
• Internal organs not functioning properly: Organs like the kidneys, lungs, and liver can be damaged.
• Very rarely, it can even be fatal .

Therefore, if you feel that you have a low immune system, or if you have another serious illness, it is important to be very careful when going to areas where ticks are present.

How do doctors recognize this?

If you have symptoms like fever, body aches, and you've recently been in an area where ticks may be present, it's best to see a doctor.

The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and where you have been. Then, they may do a few blood tests to find out for sure if you have Babesiosis. These tests mainly look for the presence of the Babesia parasites in your red blood cells. Sometimes, they may also do more specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Here's the good news! Although most people get Babesiosis, it is very mild and resolves on its own within a week or two without any treatment. Some people don't even have symptoms.

However, if the symptoms are severe, or if it occurs in someone with a weakened immune system, as mentioned earlier, doctors will prescribe treatment. Usually, they give antiparasitic medicines . These medicines reduce the symptoms and kill the parasites in the body.

In most cases, you will start to feel a lot better within about 48 hours of starting this medication.

Can we be safe from this disease (Babesiosis)?

A vaccine has not yet been found for this. Therefore, the best and only way to protect yourself from Babesiosis is to avoid ticks as much as possible.

Imagine you're going on a short trip with your family to a beautiful forested area. How important is it to stay safe from these ticks at such a time? So, let's see what you can do about it:

• When going outdoors, especially in woods or tall grassy areas:
• Walk on footpaths and in open areas as much as possible. Avoid going near tall grass and bushes.
• Wear clothes that cover your body well. Wear shoes (preferably boots), long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck the ends of your pants into your shoes. This will make it harder for ticks to climb up your legs.
• Use insect repellent. You can use repellents that contain DEET, such as those that are applied to the skin. Follow the instructions on the label exactly.
• You can spray clothes and items like luggage with a chemical called `(permethrin) .` This repels ticks. When used exactly as directed, it is safe for people of all ages. However, do not spray it on clothes or toys that young children can chew or put in their mouths.
• Wear light-colored clothing. This will make it easier to spot a tick if it's on your clothes.
• After going outside and returning home:
• Take a quick shower and wash your hair thoroughly. There may be ticks crawling on your body, and this will help remove them before they can burrow into your skin.
• Check your entire body for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like your armpits, groin, head, behind your ears, and behind your knees.
• Check your children and pets (dogs, cats) carefully. They may also have ticks.

What do you do if you have a tick on your body?

It is important to remove the tick as quickly and carefully as possible. Use tweezers to remove the tick. Grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up. Do not twist or crush it. After removing it, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. If the tick is difficult to remove, see a doctor. The longer a tick is attached, the more likely it is to spread disease.

Some more important things to know

In some states in the United States, there have been reports of a slight increase in the number of cases of ``Babesiosis'' recently. But don't worry, this is still a very rare disease in most parts of the world.

Also, as we mentioned before, most people who develop this disease do not experience any symptoms, or they experience very mild symptoms and get better on their own. Therefore, many people do not need specific treatment.

However, it is very important for everyone to be aware of tick-borne diseases and take steps to protect themselves from them.

Final Take-Home Message

Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of what we talked about today. In summary:

• Babesiosis is a rare disease caused by a parasite transmitted by ticks.
• Most of the time, this is mild and may come and go without any symptoms.
• It can be a little dangerous for people with weakened immune systems and other serious illnesses.
• The best way to prevent this is to stay away from ticks. Wear protective clothing when outdoors, use insect repellent, and check yourself when you get home.
• If you have symptoms such as fever and body aches, especially after visiting an area where ticks are present, seek medical advice.

So, we hope this information was useful to you. Stay healthy!

` Babesiosis, ticks, parasitic diseases, Ixodes ticks, red blood cells, tick fever, symptoms, treatment, prevention