Babesiosis: Symptoms and treatment
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Symptoms of babesiosis
Signs and symptoms of babesiosis can vary from person to person after being bitten by an infected blacklegged tick (deer tick). The first symptoms can appear within 1 week to 4 weeks.
Many people with babesiosis have no symptoms or develop either mild to moderate symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of babesiosis can include:
- chills
- fever
- sweats
- fatigue
- nausea
- dry cough
- headache
- loss of appetite
Severe babesiosis may include:
- bleeding
- jaundice
- forming of blood clots
- malfunction of the kidneys, lungs, and liver
- death
Risk factors for severe illness include:
- older age
- not having a spleen
- weakened immune system
If you become ill
Early diagnosis and treatment of babesiosis can prevent complications. See your health care provider right away if you've been:
- bitten by a tick and develop symptoms of babesiosis
- to an area where blacklegged ticks may be found and develop symptoms of babesiosis
Tell your health care provider:
- where on your body the tick was attached
- how long you think the tick was attached to you
- where you were (area, city, province, and country) at the time you were bitten by the tick or may have been exposed to ticks
Learn more about:
- Ticks in Canada
- How to remove a tick
- How to prevent tick bites
- Provincial and territorial public health authorities
Diagnosing babesiosis
A diagnosis of babesiosis is based on:
- signs and symptoms
- exposure to blacklegged ticks
- travel or exposure to an area where blacklegged ticks may be found
- blood tests, when appropriate
Only get tested by a licensed public health laboratory. Testing by private, non-licensed laboratories may not be reliable.
Treating babesiosis
Babesiosis can be treated with a combination of medications.
People with severe babesiosis will often need to receive supportive care such as:
- respiratory support
- medications to reduce swelling in the brain
- intravenous fluids
- pain control for headaches