Pathogen
Babesia sp. is a parasite belonging to the protozoa. There are various Babesia species, including Babesia divergens, Babesia canis, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia microti, Babesia capreoli, and Babesia venatorum. A number of species are zoonotic, including Babesia divergens. The parasite is transmitted by infected ticks.
Infection with this parasite used to occur only in animals, but is now increasingly occurring in humans as well. The parasite infects red blood cells. After a tick bite, the incubation period is one to three weeks.
Susceptible species
Carriers (reservoirs) of the various Babesia species are small rodents, roe deer, and red deer.
Signs in animals
Weakness and loss of energy, fever, red-colored urine (rust-colored urine), rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate.
Infection of animals
Animals can get infected from a bite by an already infected Ixodes tick.
Symptoms in people
Most people experience no symptoms. In exceptional cases, flu-like symptoms develop, such as chills, fever, sweating, nausea, or fatigue.
Infection of people
Geographical distribution
Babesiosis occurs in red deer in the Netherlands. It is virtually non-existent in humans in the Netherlands.
Preventative measures
Read more information about preventing a tick bite on the website of the RIVM.
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