Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Common Tick-Borne Diseases

Babesiosis

Babesia is a small parasite that can cause infection of the red blood cells, also known as babesiosis. The condition is often caused by a tick bite and might happen simultaneously with Lyme disease. Symptoms can vary, ranging from no symptoms to flu-like signs. Some people might have life-threatening and serious complications. Babesiosis usually begins with fatigue, joint or muscle aches, chills, and high fever. Possible complications include heart failure, kidney failure, hemolytic anemia, liver issues, and low blood pressure. [8]