Babesiosis

Overview

Babesiosis is spread by the same ticks that spread Lyme disease.

It can be severe in people without a spleen or with weak immunity.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Fever and chills

Less common

• Dark urine
• Tiredness

Look up a symptom: Chills · Fatigue · Fever · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Parasite.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
• People get it from: tick bites.

Who is more likely to get it

• No spleen
• Older adults

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood smear:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or catch problems early:

• Tick checks

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Higher risk of severe illness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Babesiosis