Babesiosis: Symptoms and treatment

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Symptoms of babesiosis

Signs and symptoms of babesiosis can vary from person to person after being bitten by an infected blacklegged tick (deer tick). The first symptoms can appear within 1 week to 4 weeks.

Many people with babesiosis have no symptoms or develop either mild to moderate symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of babesiosis can include:

Severe babesiosis may include:

Risk factors for severe illness include:

If you become ill

Early diagnosis and treatment of babesiosis can prevent complications. See your health care provider right away if you've been:

Tell your health care provider:

Learn more about:

Diagnosing babesiosis

A diagnosis of babesiosis is based on:

Only get tested by a licensed public health laboratory. Testing by private, non-licensed laboratories may not be reliable.

Treating babesiosis

Babesiosis can be treated with a combination of medications.

People with severe babesiosis will often need to receive supportive care such as:

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