The risk of getting infected with Babesios can be reduced if you stay away from tick-infested areas, take precautions when going outdoors, and make sure the tick does not stick to your skin for more than 24 hours.
Babesiosis, or Babesia, is a parasitic infection transmitted to humans through bites of infected ticks. It is caused by Babesia microtie and Babesia divergens protozoa that can bring about harmful complications, especially if you have other health problems. To avoid the risk of being infected with Babesiosis, consider the following tips:
Stay away from tick-infested areas
Ticks, especially deer ticks, are the carriers of Babesiosis, also called Babesia. The first and most practical way to defend yourself from being infected with this disease is to stay away from tick-infested areas. You also need to be aware that ticks are usually found in grassy, wooded areas, especially during late spring, summer, and early fall.
Take precautions when going outdoors
Since Babesiosis infection cases are rare, your fear of being infected with the disease should not stop you from doing outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. As long as you take the following extra outdoor precautions, you will be safe from tick bites:
* Make sure you cover your body well so the ticks do not get onto your exposed skin. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and closed shoes, preferably boots. If you have long hair, tie it back and tuck it in your hat to avoid ticks from crawling through it. For the same reason, it is also advisable that you tuck your pant legs in your socks. Light-colored clothes are also ideal when going outdoors in order to easily find ticks that have stuck on your clothing.
* Put repellents on your skin and on your clothes to ward off ticks. Repellents with DEET can be applied both to your skin and clothes to repel ticks. Permerthrin products can also be used to repel and actually kill ticks that get attached to your clothes and shoes. This treatment should not be used on your skin. Before using these products, make sure you carefully read the application.
*Check for ticks on your clothes from time to time while outdoor to stop them from crawling and getting to your skin.
Make sure the tick does not stay on your skin for more than 24 hours
The parasite causing Babesiosis can only be transmitted if the tick remains attached to your skin for about 24-36 hours. It is very important to carefully check your body after any outdoor activity, preferably using a full-length mirror. Immediately take a shower, washing thoroughly every part, especially at the back of your neck and ears, hair and scalp, underarms, belly button, back, legs, the back of your knees, and in between your toes. Immediately remove any ticks found on your skin to avoid being infected with Babesiosis.
There is really no outbreak of Babesiosis or Babesia, but if you get infected with it, it can be dangerous to your body, especially if it is not detected and treated immediately. It is always best to avoid the infection and take precautions in order to protect yourself.
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