BOSTON (AP) — In New England, a tick-borne disease that causes fevers, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, death, is on the rise.
Babesiosis cases have been increasing in the Northeast in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disease has been found to be endemic in all six New England states. Babesiosis cases have increased in each state since 2011. The disease is also thought to be endemic in New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. According to the CDC, the illness can be fatal in rare cases.
Some people may be asymptomatic and have no idea they are carriers.
According to the CDC, the rising number of cases may endanger the blood supply. The disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions, posing a higher risk of death than tick bites.
According to the CDC, “people spending time outdoors in states with endemic babesiosis should practice tick bite prevention, such as wearing long pants, avoiding underbrush and long grass, and using tick repellents.”
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