Rare tick-borne illness could spread to West Virginia

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness primarily spread through deer ticks infected by the Babesia parasite.

Deer ticks are found primarily in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas.

Cases of babesiosis are most common in the Northeastern and Upper Midwestern states; Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnestoa are the top three listed by the Cleveland Clinic.

Fortunately, this disease is rare, with less than three thousand cases reported annually, but it is spreading.

Symptoms of babesiosis include high fever, fatigue, chills, sweating, and muscle or joint aches.

Severe symptoms consist of jaundice, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Babesiosis is completely treatable with a combination of antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.

Prevention is the easiest way to keep from getting babesiosis.

Stay on cleared paths in wooded areas, use approved bug sprays to keep ticks away, cover as much of your skin as possible with clothing, and always check yourself or have someone check you for ticks if you’ve been outside.

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