Deadly Tick Parasite Establishes New Foothold in Baltimore
A dangerous parasitic disease typically associated with New England is now establishing itself in the mid-Atlantic region, with Baltimore identified as a new “hotspot” for babesiosis infections. The potentially life-threatening illness, which is transmitted by the same black-legged ticks that spread Lyme disease, has seen alarming increases throughout the region as warming temperatures expand tick habitats and seasonal activity periods.
According to researchers, Maryland is experiencing a growing presence of the babesia parasite, with concerning implications for public health and medical readiness, as reported by The Baltimore Banner.
Stealth Parasite Often Misdiagnosed as Flu
Babesiosis, sometimes called “America’s malaria,” is caused by microscopic parasites that infect and destroy red blood cells. The disease is challenging to diagnose because its symptoms – including fever, fatigue, and aches – mimic common illnesses like flu. This similarity often leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, which can be dangerous for vulnerable populations.
“It could save their lives,” emphasized Ellen Stromdahl, a retired tick researcher from the Defense Centers for Public Health at U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground, regarding the importance of doctors considering babesiosis when patients present with symptoms following a tick bite.
Unlike the telltale bull’s-eye rash associated with Lyme disease, babesiosis often lacks distinctive visual symptoms, making it particularly insidious. For the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those without functioning spleens, babesiosis can quickly progress to a life-threatening condition, potentially causing organ failure and death if not promptly treated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Baltimore Region Emerges as Infection Hotspot
Recent research has identified two significant babesiosis clusters in the mid-Atlantic region: the five counties surrounding and encompassing Baltimore city, and the Delmarva Peninsula coastal region spanning Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The Baltimore area accounts for 55% of Maryland’s reported cases, according to a study published in the Journal of Entomology.
While still relatively uncommon compared to Lyme disease, the parasite’s presence in Maryland ticks is growing. Testing revealed that approximately 3% of ticks in Maryland carried the babesiosis parasite, compared to 20-30% carrying Lyme disease bacteria. However, health officials believe actual infection rates are likely higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis.
“I’m more worried about ticks in Maryland than mosquitoes,” warned one health expert cited in the Banner’s reporting, noting that babesiosis cases serve as a “proxy indicator” for rising tick-borne disease risk overall. Additional research from Grist confirms this alarming trend throughout the mid-Atlantic states.
Climate Change Expands Tick Range and Season
The parasite’s emergence in the Baltimore region reflects broader patterns of tick-borne disease migration linked to climate change. Warming temperatures have extended the active season for ticks and expanded their geographical range southward from traditional New England strongholds.
Nationally, babesiosis cases have increased significantly in recent years. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that between 2011 and 2019, incidence increased dramatically in several states, with Vermont seeing a staggering 1,602% increase (from two to 34 cases) and Maine experiencing a 1,422% increase (from nine to 138 cases).
Health officials note that these figures likely represent only a fraction of actual cases, as many go unreported or misdiagnosed. The CDC now recommends blood donation screening for babesiosis in 14 states and the District of Columbia, reflecting growing concerns about transfusion-transmitted infections.
Diagnosis Challenges Require Physician Awareness
Medical experts are urging physicians in the Baltimore region to increase awareness of babesiosis and include it in their differential diagnoses, particularly when patients present with persistent flu-like symptoms after possible tick exposure. The disease can be confirmed through blood tests, but doctors must specifically request testing for the parasite.
One dramatic case highlighted by researchers involved an 80-year-old man who spent weeks going in and out of emergency rooms with worsening symptoms before finally being diagnosed with babesiosis. By that point, his infection was so severe he required a complete blood exchange transfusion, where all infected blood was pumped out and replaced with donor blood.
“If Duncan’s doctors had caught the infections sooner, they could have eradicated them with a combination of oral antibiotics and antiparasitic medications,” noted researchers studying the case, underscoring how early diagnosis can prevent life-threatening complications. The National Library of Medicine provides comprehensive clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment protocols.
Prevention Remains Critical as Parasite Spreads
As babesiosis establishes itself in the Baltimore region, health officials are emphasizing preventive measures. These include wearing protective clothing when outdoors, using EPA-approved tick repellents, avoiding tick-prone areas like tall grass and leaf litter, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
For those who find attached ticks, prompt and proper removal is crucial. Experts recommend using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. The bite area should then be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or alcohol.
“The bottom line: If you see a tick and remove it within a day, you’re probably good,” noted one health expert, as the babesia parasite typically requires 24-36 hours of attachment for transmission. The Virginia Department of Health and New York State Department of Health offer additional resources for tick-bite prevention and babesiosis awareness.
Fact-check complete. Event date: May 10, 2025
