Per CDC:
Key points
Babesiosis is a disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells.
It spreads through tick bites, primarily by blacklegged (deer) ticks.
Some people show no symptoms, others have flu-like symptoms.
Babesiosis is preventable and treatable.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of babesiosis, avoid outdoor areas infested with ticks. If you are in these areas, use tick repellents, wear socks, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, and check yourself and pets for ticks before going inside.
Learn more about prevention: Preventing Babesiosis | Babesiosis | CDC
Signs and symptoms
Many people with Babesiosis do not feel sick and have no symptoms. However, some people might get flu-like symptoms, such as:
Fever
Chills
Sweats
Headache
Body aches
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Fatigue
Since the parasites attack red blood cells, babesiosis can lead to hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia occurs when your red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. Babesiosis can become a serious, even life-threatening illness for certain people, especially those who:
Do not have a spleen
Have a weak immune system for other reasons such as cancer, lymphoma, or HIV
Have serious health issues such as liver or kidney disease
Are older (> 50 years old)
Symptoms, if they appear, may start around a week after infection, but usually develop over a few weeks or months, or longer.
To learn more visit: About Babesiosis | Babesiosis | CDC
