At its 2010 Annual Meeting, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) recommended that babesiosis be added to the list of nationally notifiable conditions and that states and territories conduct surveillance using the national case definition.

On January 1, 2011, babesiosis became a nationally notifiable condition.

CDC is responsible for the collection and dissemination of national babesiosis surveillance data. Surveillance is the ongoing collection and analysis of data and the timely dissemination of information to those who need to know so that action can be taken. State and territorial health departments notify CDC of cases of nationally notifiable conditions.

CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) publishes weekly counts of nationally notifiable disease data, periodic surveillance reports for selected diseases and conditions, and an annual summary of nationally notifiable conditions.

Although babesiosis is nationally notifiable, it may not be a reportable condition in every state. Health care professionals should consult their local, territorial, or state health departments about which conditions should be reported to the health department.

Regardless of whether babesiosis is reportable in a particular state, it is important for the public and clinicians to inform their health department about potential cases so that appropriate responses can be taken.

Babesiosis Case Report Form

For cases of babesiosis that have been identified and reported through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, states are also encouraged to submit additional information using OMB-approved CDC Case Report Forms (CRFs). The Babesiosis CRF [PDF, 2 pages, 650 KB] includes variables that routine electronic reporting does not, such as risk factors for infection, clinical manifestations, and laboratory results. If a state-specific form is already used to collect such information, the supplemental details may be submitted to CDC in lieu of a CRF.

For more information regarding babesiosis surveillance or assistance in completing the form, please call the Parasitic Diseases Branch at 404-718-4745 or email parasites@cdc.gov. Completed forms (or other supplemental information) may be submitted to CDC in any of the following ways: