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Monday, July 26, 2010

Malaria-like disease appearing in New York

Via UPI :

" VALHALLA, N.Y., July 26 : Babesiosis, a rare malaria -like disease commonly transmitted by infected deer ticks, is on the rise in the Lower Hudson Valley in New York, doctors say.

Dr. Gary Wormser, chief of infectious diseases at Westchester Medical Center, says microscopic parasites known as Babesia infect red blood cells and cause anemia. The New York Health Department reports cases have been reported in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Rockland.

The parasites are transmitted via infected deer ticks or blood transfusions.

Symptoms may begin with fatigue, loss of appetite and a general ill feeling, but as it progresses, patients may have fever, drenching sweats, muscle aches and headache, which can last for several days to several months."

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