Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, July 14, 2011
(UNDATED) - A parasite spread by ticks is inching closer to Indiana. Babesisosis attacks a person’s red blood cells and if left unchecked can be deadly.
It was first discovered in the 1960s, but seems to be making a comeback. Deer ticks are passing along the parasite.
Dr. Jennifer House with the Indiana Department of Health says we have deer ticks in Indiana, but so far there are no document cases of anyone infected by the parasite.
She says if you have flu-like symptoms and you've been recently bitten by a tick--that would be a good time to actually see your physician and let them know you have symptoms and that you were bitten.
It appears the problem is already in the northeast.
Cases are popping up in Wisconsin and experts believe it is moving west.
It's possible deer ticks in Indiana are already carrying the deadly parasite, but with no reported cases, no proof exists that it has arrived.
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