What Is Babesiosis?
Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by ticks. Ticks usually carry microscopic organisms called Babesia.
How Common Is Babesiosis?
Anyone can be infected with Babesiosis. However, people who frequently engage in outdoor activities are usually more at risk for flea bites. You can reduce your chances of getting an infection if you avoid risk factors. Please discuss with your Doctor for more information.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Babesiosis?
If your immune system is good, there may not be any Symptoms or complaints. However, people with Babesiosis usually experience these symptoms:
- Fever
- happy
- Sweat a lot
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
If the symptoms that appear to get worse, the following symptoms may also appear:
- Dark urine
- Spreading rash
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Call your doctor if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever, rash, or any of the above complaints. Consulting a doctor is the best thing you can do.
What Causes Babesiosis?
A very small parasite called Babesia microti is the cause of most cases of this infection. The deer tick named IxodesScapularis is the tick that usually carries the parasite. You may not feel or remember the tick bite because it is only the size of a poppy seed. Patients may also get this disease if they get an infection from blood transfusions containing the parasite.
Infections with Babesia microti and Borrelia Burgdorferi (the bacteria that cause Lyme disease) can also occur because ticks usually carry both parasites.
What Increases My Risk For Babesiosis?
You are at a higher risk of getting Babesiosis in the warmer seasons, especially in the summer when most ticks appear.
The absence of risk does not mean that you are free from possible exposure to distractions. The characteristics and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.
What Are My Treatment Options For Babesiosis?
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
The most common treatment given is the consumption of antibiotics (paracetamol). When the infection is treated with paracetamol, other symptoms such as pain can be treated with acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What Are The Usual Tests For Babesiosis?
The doctor will diagnose based on complaints as well as physical tests. If you are suspected of being infected with Babesiosis, the doctor will take a blood sample to be examined using a microscope to look for the presence of the parasite in your red blood cells.
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Babesiosis?
The following are forms of a healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Babesiosis:
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible and do not take fever medicine without asking your doctor first
- Listen to the doctor's instructions, report immediately if symptoms appear or if there is an abnormality
- If you are in an area where babesiosis is likely to spread, you will need to:
- Using DEET standard insect repellent
- Wear long-sleeved clothes and tuck pants into socks
- Wear closed shoes other than sandals
- Brush your clothes and check for lice on your body
- Pick up the tick using tweezers. Hold the tick close to the skin and gently pull it off. Don't just pull the tick while it's attached to the skin
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.
