EASTERN SHORE, Va. — A newly published study has confirmed that the tick-borne illness babesiosis is now emerging as a growing public health concern in the Mid-Atlantic, with infections documented in multiple states and evidence of the parasite in local tick populations.… The post Babesiosis Cases Confirm Growing Tick-Borne Threat in Mid-Atlantic appeared first on TV Delmarva .
EASTERN SHORE, Va. — A newly published study has confirmed that the tick-borne illness babesiosis is now emerging as a growing public health concern in the Mid-Atlantic, with infections documented in multiple states and evidence of the parasite in local tick populations. The research, conducted by a team of 22 contributors led by a retired public health professional on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, tracked infections in humans and parasite presence in ticks from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Delaware.
The findings represent a geographic expansion of the disease, which was once mostly limited to the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Babesiosis, caused by a microscopic parasite that invades red blood cells, can lead to flu-like symptoms, anemia, and potentially fatal complications in high-risk groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised.
The study also noted diagnostic challenges, as symptoms may resemble those of other tick-borne illnesses, and commonly used antibiotics like doxycycline are ineffective against the parasite. Although April marks the traditional start of tick season, regional reports show that ticks may remain active year-round, increasing the likelihood of exposure.
Researchers are urging the public and healthcare providers to stay vigilant during peak seasons and consider babesiosis as a potential diagnosis in symptomatic patients. The journal publishing the study specializes in arthropod-related diseases and public health research. The lead author emphasized the urgency of raising awareness to prevent misdiagnosis and reduce the risk of severe illness.
The post Babesiosis Cases Confirm Growing Tick-Borne Threat in Mid-Atlantic appeared first on TV Delmarva .
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