Babesia in Dutchess County: Now the #2 Tick-Borne Illness

Babesia in Dutchess County, New York is now the second most common tick-borne illness behind Lyme disease. A co-infection of Babesia with Lyme disease can increase the severity and duration of illness — and the risk is higher than expected.

Over 6% of questing nymphal ticks in Dutchess County were infected with the pathogens that cause both Babesia and Lyme disease. Researchers found 83% more co-infection with Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi than predicted by chance alone.

Why Babesia in Dutchess County Matters

Unfortunately, standard antibiotic treatments for Lyme disease such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or Zithromax are not effective for Babesia. Antiparasitic therapy with Zithromax added was effective for treating Babesia. Other antiparasitic therapies including Flagyl or Tindamax have also been prescribed.

The authors concluded, “Given that co-infection for these two pathogens can exacerbate symptoms and requires distinct treatment, medical practitioners should be aware of the tendency for B. microti and B. burgdorferi to co-occur when diagnosing and treating tick-borne illness.”

Clinical Takeaway

I also consider a concurrent infection of Babesia with Lyme disease in my patients with more severe and prolonged presentations. Patients in Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley region should be aware that a single tick bite can transmit multiple infections — and that Lyme treatment alone may not be enough.