Tick-Borne Disease Spreading in Mid-Atlantic Poses Hidden Health Risk

A lesser-known but potentially dangerous tick-borne disease is spreading through the Mid-Atlantic region, and it’s catching many outdoor enthusiasts off guard. The disease, known as babesiosis, is caused by a microscopic parasite that attacks red blood cells. Early symptoms are often subtle, making it easy to overlook and difficult to diagnose.

The first confirmed case of babesiosis in Maryland occurred in 2009 in a woman who had been bitten by a tick. That discovery launched a research effort, and findings were recently published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. The study shows that deer ticks in Maryland have carried the parasite since at least that time.

Several factors contribute to the rising risk: warming temperatures, suburban expansion into wooded areas, and exploding deer populations, a primary host for ticks. What makes this more troubling is that deer ticks are already well-known carriers of Lyme disease. Research suggests a strong association between Lyme and babesiosis, meaning co-infections are common.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges the public to prevent tick bites by avoiding tall grass, wooded trails, and overgrown areas. If you’ve been outside, do a thorough “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” check when you return home.

And if a deer tick has bitten you and you begin feeling unwell, even mildly, professionals recommend one simple but critical step: tell your doctor and ask them to test for babesiosis.

Hidden Tick-Borne Illness Spreading Across Mid-Atlantic: What You Need to Know About Babesiosis was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com