Episode 522: Babesiosis Battle - an interview with Doug Morrow

Tick Boot Camp

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