| By :
Patricia Strasser
Also known as Babesia, Babesiosis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. It is caused by Babesia microti and Babesia divergens protozoa that can bring about harmful complications, especially if you have other health problems. In order to lessen contracting Babesiosis, use caution by following these guidelines: Stay away from tick-infested areas Ticks, especially deer ticks, are the carriers of Babesiosis or Babesia. Avoiding places where ticks might live is the most effective way to avoid getting infected with this disease. Remember that ticks live in fields and forests, and they thrive between May and September. Exercise due caution when out in the outdoors As cases of Babesiosis infection happens very rarely, there is no point in avoiding outdoor activities like camping or hiking. By being careful outside and abiding with the following outdoor precautions, you won't be worrying about tick bites. * Ensure that your body is covered so that ticks are not able to get to your skin. You should wear clothing that covers your body, including a hat, long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes or boots. Those with long hair should tie their hair or tuck it inside their hats to avoid exposing it to ticks. For this very reason, it is also recommended that you put your pant legs into your socks. To easily find ticks that are stuck on your clothing when in the outdoors, you should also wear light-colored clothing. * Put repellents on your skin and on your clothes to ward off ticks. DEET-containing repellents can be used on skin and clothing to ward off ticks. In order to keep ticks from attaching to your clothes and shoes, and to kill them if they do get attached, you can also use permerthrin products. But, remember that it is not a topical treatment. Make sure you carefully read the application before using these products. * Check the exterior of your clothes periodically while outdoors to prevent ticks from getting inside your clothing and into your skin. Ensure that no tick stays on your skin longer than a day The parasite causing Babesiosis can only be transmitted if the tick remains attached to your skin for about 24-36 hours. It is of utmost importance that one checks their body thoroughly after participating in any outdoor activity, most preferably by utilizing a full length mirror. Taking a shower and washing those areas that are especially vulnerable to ticks such as the scalp, the back of your neck, ears, armpits, navel, legs, pits of your knees, and in between your toes is another thing you can do to avoid possible infection. Make sure you remove each and every tick found on your body at once to prevent getting Babesiosis. Though there is usually no Babesia or Babesiosis outbreak, everybody should still be cautious about it. It can be very harmful to the body if infected and not diagnosed and treated right away. Prevention is still always the best measure to avoid the infection.
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