Babesiosis, is a potentially deadly tick-borne illness that mimics malaria. It is also a co-infection of Lyme disease and more deadly than Lyme disease can be.
Babesiosis can go undetected in the blood supply. Currently, there is no test for donated blood to pick up the bacteria, thus putting those who are the sickest at a terrible risk!
The disease is caused by the parasite babesia microti, which invades the body through a tick bite and destroys the body's red blood cells. Through a microscrope the red blood cells can appear to be invaded by a malaria parasite.
Don't believe that you cannot get Lyme or Babesia in South Africa. I personally know of two people currently living in Australia who have been diagnosed in Australia with BOTH Lyme disease and Babesia from tick bites severla yearsa ago in South Africa.
Live blood analysis has found some of my red blood cells damaged by 'malaria' parasites. However, since I have never had malaria, I believe that these parasites are infact babesia...
