A 38-year-old woman from Ireland, who temporarily resides in the Republic of Moldova, was diagnosed with babesiosis, a parasitic disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first confirmed case in the country, the National Public Health Agency said, quoted by IPN.

The woman's condition is satisfactory. According to doctors, the patient had fever, chills, headache and muscle pain.

The epidemiological investigation showed that the woman had stayed for two weeks in an African country and her symptoms were initially associated with malaria. But the laboratory analyses carried out by specialists of the National Public Health Agency confirmed the presence of the Babesia parasite, which generated babesiosis.

The authorities warn that babesiosis can have an asymptomatic evolution or can be confused with other diseases, which is why correct diagnosis is essential.

In a press release, the Agency noted that the disease is transmitted by tick bite, and the most common cases are reported in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Specialists recommend avoiding areas with dense vegetation, wearing appropriate clothing, using repellents and carefully checking the body after visiting green spaces. In case of symptoms, after a trip to tropical areas, citizens should not resort to self-treatment and should consult healthcare professionals.