Young Man Survives a Co-Infection of a Tick-Borne & Mosquito-Borne Disease

What is a co-infection? A co-infection is when someone becomes sick with two different infections at the same time. It is best known (although not common) to occur when tick-borne Babesiosis and Lyme disease are contracted at the same time through the bite of a single tick infected with both. In a recent case, a man suffered a co-infection from tick-borne Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and mosquito-borne West Nile Virus.

Did You Know Co-Infections Were Possible?

While you may not have imagined it, it makes sense that it could happen given ticks and mosquitoes both like damp, moist places. If you’re hanging out in the woods, you are facing heavy exposure to both ticks and mosquitoes. Being unlucky enough to be bitten by both is bad enough, but having both be infected with a bacteria, virus, or parasite is even worse.

As reported by the Billings Gazette, the young man was 21 at the time of the co-infection. While his chances of this illness are one in several million, he beat the odds by surviving. His doctor only knew of two other cases of simultaneous West Nile Virus, and Lyme disease and both patients died. At the height of his illness, the man was sleeping for as much as 22 hours a day and lost almost 40 pounds. Today he is almost back to normal, completely clear of the diseases, his immune system still has to recover completely.

If you experience severe exhaustion or an inability to stay awake, call your doctor immediately. Make sure all possibilities are considered so that you can receive proper treatment as soon as possible. When it comes to tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases, it seems that almost anything is possible.

When you’re out enjoying nature, following tick safety methods and use DEET to keep mosquitoes away. Lower your risks for tick-borne and mosquito-borne disease at home with mosquito control and tick control treatment by Mosquito Squad of Louisville. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and our products can eliminate as much as 90% of mosquitoes and adult ticks on your property. Call today.