CDC Says Rare Tick-Borne Bacillus Disease Is On The Rise In Northeast U.S.: Here’s Why
Lyme disease may hold the distinction of being the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the U.S. — but it’s not the only one.
Babesiosis, a A rare tick-borne parasitic diseaseis growing in some states.
The CDC reported Friday that some Northeastern states saw a significant increase in cases of babesiosis between 2011 and 2019.
In that time frame, a total of 16,456 cases were reported in 37 states. Eight US states saw significant increases.
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The biggest jumps were observed. in Vermont (1,602%two to 34 cases, Maine (1,422%, nine to 138 cases), New Hampshire (372%, 13 to 78 cases) and Connecticut (338%, 74 to 328).
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont also saw increases.
Doctors blame climate change for the spread of parasites.
Babesiosis is a disease that occurs when a microscopic parasite, Babesia, infects red blood cells.
Mark Allen Derry, DO, MPH, infectious disease physician and chief innovation officer Access Health Louisiana.was not surprised to hear about the rise in tick-borne illness.
The CDC reports that a tick-borne parasitic disease, babesiosis, is spreading rapidly in the northeastern states. (iStock)
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he said this has been an ongoing debate in the infectious disease community for a decade.
“As we’ve seen more impacts. Climate change“We expected that we might start to spread different pathogens to our ecological niche,” Dr. Derry said.
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“Not only did we see an increase in cases in states where it was already endemic, but we also saw new endemic states, mostly in the New England region.”
Babesiosis is most common in hot, humid areas, he added.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see. Other viral diseases Add to that a parasitic infection like chikungunya, dengue or yellow fever, or malaria,” Derry said.
“Even a one-degree difference in temperature is enough for pathogens to increase their reach.”
“As the climate warms, it’s more likely that pathogens that we don’t normally see in the U.S. will spread across the country.”
“Even a one-degree difference in temperature is enough for pathogens to increase their accessibility,” he added.
Babesiosis and Lyme: Same Transmission, Different Diseases
Spread by black-legged ticks or deer ticks, babesiosis is most common in parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest StatesAccording to the CDC website, primarily during warm seasons.
Lyme disease is spread by the same type of tick, but it’s a bacterium, not a parasite.
Babesiosis is most common in hot, humid areas, an infectious disease doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“In areas where Lyme is prevalent, you’re likely to see babesiosis as well,” Dr. Derry said.
Both diseases share some common symptoms.
However, Lyme causes a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash, which does not occur with babesiosis. (According to medical experts, not everyone with Lyme disease will have a rash.)
Warning signs of babesiosis
Some common symptoms of babesiosis Mimic colds and flu.Which may mean that many cases are going undiagnosed.
Affected individuals may experience fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headache, cough, muscle aches and sore throat.
In more severe cases, Dr. Derry said patients may have an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice or visual changes.
Affected individuals may experience fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headache, cough, muscle aches and sore throat.
Rarely, high-risk patients may develop it. Shortness of breathheart failure, kidney failure or multi-organ failure.
Some common symptoms of babesiosis mimic colds and flu, which can mean many cases go undiagnosed. (iStock)
Patients at highest risk are those who have had splenectomies, a surgical procedure to remove a damaged or diseased spleen.
Dr. Derry explained.
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“One of the final cycles is going through the spleen, which helps attack the parasite that lives inside the red blood cells. People who don’t have a spleen don’t have the final pass. So they are at a greater risk of parasitaemia, which occurs when the parasite enters the bloodstream.”
Other high-risk groups include people living with HIV, people over age 55, young children, or people taking immunosuppressants for autoimmune disorders, the doctor said.
Wearing long pants and long sleeves and using insect repellent will help prevent infected ticks. (iStock)
“For the vast majority of people, babesiosis will run its course like the flu,” said Dr.
Dr Derry said that anyone diagnosed with the disease should seek treatment.
“Unlike a viral cold or a A mild case of COVIDit’s something you should treat,” he said.
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The most common drugs are antimicrobials with antiparasitic properties, such as azithromycin and atovaquone.
With treatment, patients with babesiosis usually make a full recovery in seven to 10 days.
Education, preparedness is the key to prevention
For those living in or traveling to states where babesiosis is endemic, avoiding wooded areas is the best measure to prevent infection.
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When spending time outdoors, Dr. Derry recommends wearing long pants, long sleeves, and shoes and socks that cover the ankles.
Using an insect repellent will also help prevent infected ticks.