Jeffrey Wilson MD, PhD
Newsweek spotlighted Jeff Wilson, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, discussing tick-borne illness babesiosis.
Babesiosis is a disease caused by a parasite that targets red blood cells and is mainly transmitted through bites from black-legged (deer) ticks. The illness can be “severe” among vulnerable groups, but babesiosis is “not as common as other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme and in many, perhaps most cases, has a relatively benign course,” Dr. Wilson said.
To stay protected from ticks, individuals can apply products with 0.5% permethrin to clothing, boots, and camping equipment—offering lasting protection even after multiple washes. Wilson also recommended wearing long pants, long socks, long-sleeve shirts, and light-colored clothing when venturing into areas where ticks are common and emphasized the importance of doing thorough tick checks afterward.
Read the full article at Newsweek.
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