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Warning-sign checks

Babesiosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or confusion require immediate care rather than a routine appointment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    When spending time in tick habitat, use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent as directed, wear protective clothing, check the body and clothing for ticks, shower after coming indoors, and remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune health.

    A clinician may repeat a complete blood count, blood smear, or tests of liver and kidney function to confirm that red blood cells and platelets are recovering.

    For people with intact immune systems, routine parasite testing is generally not continued after symptoms have resolved unless symptoms return.

    PCR can remain positive for a time and does not always mean that more treatment is needed.

The article also says

People with weakened immune systems often need closer monitoring.

Blood smears may be checked during treatment and after symptoms improve because relapse is more likely in this group.

Do not stop or extend prescribed treatment without discussing it with the treating clinician.

Contact the care team if fever returns, fatigue worsens, or new jaundice, dark urine, shortness of breath, or weakness develops.

People diagnosed with babesiosis should not donate blood while infected and should follow the blood collection organization’s eligibility instructions afterward.

If a diagnosis is made after a recent donation, notify the blood center.

Future tick bites can cause another infection.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Babesiosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.