Babesiosis in Eastern Pennsylvania: an emerging concern

Background: Babesiosis is a human tick-borne parasitic infection affecting erythrocytes with potentially severe and complications and some fatalities. Endemic areas include areas in the northeastern and midwestern United States. The incidence and prevalence of babesiosis has steadily increased over the past decade, and appears to be spreading to areas previously regarded as low endemic regions, including eastern Pennsylvania, where it had not been previously described. Methods: � see below Results: We report five cases of babesiosis in eastern Pennsylania in patients with no history of travel outside the region, pointing to the emergence of babesiosis in this region (table 1, figure 1, figure2). Conclusion: As the symptoms of babesiosis are non-specific, a thorough history, including travel, woodland exposure and blood transfusions are important in identifying high-risk individuals. Increased physician awareness regarding the increasing geographical spread of babesia should further assist in the identification and appropriate treatment of affected individuals. More comprehensive disease reporting and data may enable public health authorities to better determine trends and evaluate geographic patterns as endemic areas evolve