What is babesiosis? The parasitic infection that 'eats' your red blood cells

A close-up picture of a black and red tick perched on a leaf.

Disease name: Babesiosis

Affected populations: Babesiosis is a rare and potentially fatal parasitic disease that destroys red blood cells, the cells that supply tissues with oxygen from the lungs. The disease, which is spread by ticks, occurs worldwide, including in the United States and Europe.