How can Babesiosis be treated?

No vaccine is available to protect humans against Babesiosis. You can reduce your risk by taking these precautions against tick bites.

  • During outside activities, wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks. Wear a hat and tie your hair back.
  • Use insecticides to repel or kill ticks. Repellents containing the compound DEET can be used on exposed skin except for the face, but they do not kill ticks and are not 100% effective in preventing tick bites. Products containing Permethrin kill ticks, but they cannot be used on the skin - only on clothing. When using any of these chemicals, follow label directions carefully. Be especially cautious when using them on children.
  • After outdoor activities, check yourself for ticks, and have a "buddy" check you too. Check body areas where ticks are commonly found; behind the knees, between the fingers and toes, under the arms in and behind the ears, and on the neck, hairline, and top of the head. Check places where clothing presses on the skin.
  • Remove attached ticks immediately. Removing a tick before it has been attached for more than 24 hours greater reduces the risk of infection. Use tweezers and grab as close to the skin as possible. Do not try to remove ticks by squeezing them, coating them with petroleum jelly, or burning them with a match.

Show All Answers

1. What is Babesiosis?
2. What is the infectious agent that causes Babesiosis?
3. Where is Babesiosis found?
4. How do people get Babesiosis?
5. What are the signs and symptoms of Babesiosis?
6. How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
7. How is Babesiosis diagnosed?
8. Who is at risk for Babesiosis?
9. What complications can result from Babesiosis?
10. What is the treatment for Babesiosis?
11. How common is Babesiosis?
12. Is Babesiosis an emerging infectious disease?
13. How can Babesiosis be treated?