In early October 2020, Kathy Rueckert, 65 at the time, sought medical attention after experiencing fever and weakness at ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton Gateway, a facility addressing COVID-19 symptoms. However, her diagnosis diverged from the global concern at the time. Rueckert was diagnosed with babesiosis, a parasitic infection resulting from a deer tick bite.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports an average of 75 cases of babesiosis annually between 2014 and 2023. Rueckert, a retired ThedaCare employee who enjoys outdoor activities, was unsure of where or when she was bitten by a tick. “I had no clue. I have no idea,” she stated.
As Rueckert’s fever persisted, she underwent tests for ear infection and possible Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which affects platelet production crucial for blood clotting. Rueckert appeared to improve after treatment with prednisone, but her fever fluctuated, and she contracted a mild case of COVID-19 by late October.
Her condition worsened, showing signs of blood clotting issues in nasal tissues and difficulties in breathing. Rueckert recounts, “The day I went into the ER, that day my right foot was becoming numb and I didn’t know why.” A blood test confirmed the presence of the babesiosis parasite.
Simultaneously, Rueckert was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) amid the pandemic, which led to three months of hospitalization. The rare illness resulted in temporary paralysis from the neck down. Rueckert credits ThedaCare specialists for her recovery, now able to lead an active lifestyle, including playing pickleball again.
Rueckert noted, “My husband couldn’t visit me. It was the middle of the pandemic, over Christmas, a very lonely time. But I felt blessed that I had a lot of wonderful ThedaCare people that helped me along the way.”
Rueckert, now 70, praises ThedaCare and family medicine provider Dr. David Anderla for their support during her ordeal. Today, she volunteers at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, aiding patients with illnesses like babesiosis and GBS and aims to raise awareness about these conditions.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend measures to prevent tick exposure, such as reducing leaf litter, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents.
