| |
Approximately 200 cases of babesiosis have been reported in the U.S. since the first human case was recognized on Nantucket Island (off the coast of Massachusetts) in 1968. In the US, the deer (black-legged) tick in the Northeast and upper Midwest, and the Western black-legged tick on the Pacific coast are the primary carriers. A majority of reported cases occur during the summer months along the immediate coast and off-shore islands of the Northeast. This is followed several days later by high fever, chills, drenching sweats, muscle pain, joint pain and headaches.
As with malaria, these symptoms can continue over a protracted period (several days to several months) or can abate, then recur. In some cases it may take from 1 to 12 months for first symptoms to appear after infection with the parasite. However, some medications used in the treatment of malaria have also been useful in the treatment of babesiosis.
|
|
|
