A fourth case of a rare bacterial illness has been detected on Long Island in New York. local health officials said on Thursday.
An especially bad tick season in the United States is probably hitting its peak, and experts are stressing the importance of taking personal precautions.
Most diagnoses of tick-borne diseases are reported between June and September.
Overall, more than 16,000 cases of babesiosis have been reported to the CDC between 2011 and 2019, according to the report.
The Lyme Disease Research Group reports a mild winter could make this year's tick season especially rough.
Above-average temperatures in December and January mean ticks could be on the prowl.