NOTES:

Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by infection with the babesia parasite. Ticks transmit the human strain of babesiosis, so it often presents with other tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. It can be asymptomatic but if symptoms develop, the most common are fever and hemolytic anemia and symptoms that are similar to those of malaria. People with symptoms usually become ill 1 to 4 weeks after the bite. A person infected with babesiosis gradually develops malaise and fatigue, followed by a fever. Haemolytic anaemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the blood, also develops. Chills, sweats, and thrombocytopenia are also common symptoms. Symptoms may last from several days to several months.

PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donor had confirmed or suspected Babesiosis.