Historically, Babesiosis was not considered endemic in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. But it is now, the CDC says in a new report. Getty Images
Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the northeastern US, jumping 25% from 2011 to 2019. One in particular has become endemic in three new states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention he warned on Thursday.
Cases of mumps – a potentially fatal condition caused by tiny parasites carried by black-legged ticks – have skyrocketed. Cases rose a staggering 1,602 percent in Vermont, 1,422 percent in Maine and 3,272 percent in New Hampshire during that time, according to CDC data.
Historically, Babesiosis was not considered endemic in these states. But it is now, the federal health agency said in a report, urging public health workers to raise awareness of the disease, how to recognize it and how to prevent it.
What is babezosis?
It is a disease caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. These parasites are usually carried by ticks, white-footed mice and other small mammals, According to the CDC.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
The disease can cause a wide range of diseases, from no symptoms to death. The most common symptoms, however, include:
- fever
- muscle and joint pain
- headache
More serious symptoms may include:
- renal failure
- low number of platelets in the blood
- acute respiratory distress syndrome, in which blood oxygen levels drop dangerously low
How does one catch mumps?
Babesiosis is usually transmitted by black-legged or deer ticks—especially young ticks in the pupal stage. Nymphs are usually found in spring and summer in woodland, brush, or grassy areas. Some nymphs are as small as a poppy seed, so you may not realize you have been bitten. That's why it's important to check for ticks daily if you've visited a high-risk area.
It is also possible to get Babesiosis through an infusion of infected blood or through childbirth (a mother can pass it on to her child).
Who is most at risk of becoming seriously ill with mumps?
Those at high risk of serious illness and death include:
- the immunocompromised (perhaps due to cancer or AIDS)
- those without a spleen
- people with serious conditions such as liver or kidney disease
- the elderly
In what situations am I more likely to get mumps?
Until now, mumps was considered endemic in only seven states, according to the CDC:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhodes island
- Wisconsin
Previous studies have noted increasing reports of mumps in certain areas of the US, including New York from 2011 to 2015. State-reported cases to the CDC increased nearly 60% from 2011 to 2019, according to federal health data . In addition, New York reported the highest number of cases among all states reported during this time period.
How can I prevent mumps?
People who spend time outdoors in states where Babeiosis is endemic—and bordering states—should do the following, according to the CDC:
- Avoid tick-infested areas.
- Wear long pants.
- Avoid brush and long grass.
- Use tick repellent.
- Check for ticks daily.
