Episode 522: Babesiosis Battle - an interview with Doug Morrow

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Doug Morrow, a retired Hofstra University professor and professional musician, shares how a family outing to the Morton Bird Sanctuary in April 2012 changed his life. Doug went on a picnic after visiting the bird sanctuary with his 6-year-old son, Antonio, and his wife, Diane. He found a tick biting him the day after the picnic. Just months later, Doug developed mysterious, recurring fevers that doctors struggled to diagnose. It wasn’t until a medical emergency during a trip to California that Doug learned he had Babesiosis, a life-threatening parasitic infection spread by ticks.

With the tireless advocacy of his wife Diane and the sharp eye of a California infectious disease doctor, Doug was properly diagnosed and began a months-long recovery that included antimalarial medications, blood transfusions, and natural remedies. Today, Doug reflects on the importance of early detection, preventive care, and maintaining a strong immune system through lifestyle, diet, and love.

🧭 Key Topics Discussed:

• ✅ Tick bite during Easter break in East Hampton, NY


• ✅ Early symptoms: intermittent fevers, misdiagnosis


• ✅ Emergency room visits and missteps


• ✅ Babesiosis diagnosis and spleen involvement


• ✅ The critical role of Diane’s advocacy


• ✅ Recovery, red blood cell destruction, and blood transfusions


• ✅ Natural repellents and tick prevention strategies


• ✅ Organic lawn care, tick tubes, and essential oils


• ✅ Life lessons: stress reduction, nutrition, love, and spiritual health


• ✅ Reflections on health, gratitude, and retirement

🛡️ Prevention Tips from Doug & Diane Morrow:

• Use natural tick repellents with lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and white vinegar


• Apply frequently, especially during outdoor activity


• Maintain short-cut lawns, avoid watering, and plant lavender as a natural repellent


• Use tick tubes to reduce mouse-based tick populations


• Prioritize organic lawn care to protect local ecosystems


• Check for ticks daily – especially on children


• Advocate for yourself and your family in healthcare settings

🕒 Timestamped Highlights:

• 00:03 – Doug’s background: musician, educator, polymath


• 10:05 – Growing up in Stony Brook and Smithtown; early tick awareness


• 31:01 – The 2012 tick bite and mysterious fevers


• 36:58 – Emergency room misdiagnosis and worsening symptoms


• 45:08 – Babesiosis diagnosis and hospital treatment


• 52:16 – Return to Long Island and local follow-up care


• 58:15 – Dr. Clawson’s care and herbal support during recovery


• 1:02:15 – Acupuncture and natural treatments


• 1:07:02 – Doug’s current preventive practices and immune support


• 1:23:26 – Environmental and lifestyle contributors to tick-borne illness


• 1:26:13 – Final reflections on health, balance, and love