BABESIOSIS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: A CASE REPORT

Background: Babesiosis, a tick-borne illness spread by Ixodes scapularis, is an emerging infectious disease in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States. Infection can present as a flu-like illness with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and jaundice. This disease can even be fatal in the immunocompromised or highly infected patient. Co-infection with other tick-borne illnesses is common, and prompt treatment with antiprotozoal agents and antibiotics is indicated to prevent adverse outcomes. Case Report: We describe a patient who presented to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms, but had history concerning for environmental exposure to babesiosis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?: Early detection is important to prevent severe sequalae of the disease. This is a disease that can imitate a viral syndrome but should be considered in the differential for a patient with a concerning history. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.