Babesiosis

Babesiosis: Rising Cases of Tickborne 'American Malaria'

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by parasites that infect red blood cells, with cases rising steadily in the United States and other parts of the world . This increase is linked to expanding tick populations and changing environmental factors, posing new challenges for public health and clinical care . The illness can range from mild or asymptomatic to severe, malaria-like disease, especially affecting older adults and immunocompromised individuals . Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of babesiosis is critical as its geographic range continues to expand .