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.
No active Babesiosis reports in Maine right now.
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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.
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
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Babesiosis activity across Maine. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.
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For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Maine, visit your state health department's website.
Whether you live in Maine or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.
Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →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: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in Maine yet. Here are the latest Babesiosis reports from our global surveillance network.
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