Babesiosis

1 Active Outbreak

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection of red blood cells caused by Babesia species. It's primarily transmitted by ticks and can cause a malaria-like illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and those without a spleen. It is most common in the Northeastern and Upper Midwestern United States.

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Recent Cases (30d)
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Active Outbreaks
230d ago
Last Updated
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What is Babesiosis?

Babesiosis was first described in 1888 by Victor Babes, who identified the parasite in cattle. The first human case was reported in 1957 in Yugoslavia, followed by the first recognized human case in the United States in 1969 on Nantucket Island. Its discovery marked one of the first recognized tick-borne parasitic diseases affecting humans.

Symptoms

  • Fever and chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Jaundice (in severe cases due to hemolytic anemia)
  • Dark urine (in severe cases)

Transmission

Babesiosis is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected *Ixodes* (deer) ticks, most commonly during their nymphal stage. Less common routes of transmission include contaminated blood transfusions and, rarely, congenital transmission from an infected mother to her baby. It is not spread directly from person to person.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid tick-infested areas (tall grass, wooded areas).
  • Wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors, tucking pants into socks.
  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing.
  • Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after outdoor activities.
  • Remove attached ticks promptly and correctly using fine-tipped tweezers.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

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60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Announces No Detection of Babesia Infection in First Patient Following Treatment with Tafenoquine in Relapsing Babesiosis Study

Philippines 2025-10-16
Active
  • Breakthrough Therapy Designation request has been submitted to FDA * Company to request a Type B meeting with FDA in early 2026 to discuss requirements for a supplementary New Drug Application (sNDA) * Results obtained using highest sensitivity test available; licensed by FDA for blood donation screening * Remaining enrolled patients will complete the study between January and October 2026 * Study intended to confirm the high cure rate for tafenoquine in immunosuppressed patients with relapsing babesiosis, as reported by Yale in a 2024 publication WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SXTP; SXTPW) ("60 Degrees" or the "Company"), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines for vector-borne disease, today announced that th...
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

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Research

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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