Babesiosis is a rare parasitic disease that can be passed to humans by deer ticks.
Babesiosis may not always cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they usually start 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite. Symptoms of babesiosis include:
- A general feeling of illness (malaise).
- Decreased appetite.
- Tiredness.
- Fever, chills, and sweats that come and go.
- Muscle aches (myalgias).
Babesiosis usually is treated with antibiotic medicines.