Emergency Rooms Across the U.S. Report Spike in Tick Bites
Emergency departments nationwide are seeing a sharp increase in tick bites this summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), July has already recorded the highest number of tick-related emergency room visits since 2017, with young children and older adults showing the greatest vulnerability.
Why the Sudden Increase?
Several key factors are contributing to this surge:
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Milder Winters & Wetter Springs: Due to climate change, ticks are surviving winters in greater numbers and emerging earlier in the season. The Northeast alone is reporting a 30–40% rise in tick activity compared to last year.
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Geographic Spread: Ticks—including disease-carrying blacklegged, Lone Star, and American dog ticks—are expanding into new regions, increasing the risk of bites.
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Spike in Outdoor Time: With summer in full swing, more people—families, hikers, and gardeners—are spending time in tick-prone areas.
Who Is Most at Risk?
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Kids under 10 and seniors over 70 are showing the highest rates of ER visits for tick bites.
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The Northeast region has seen the sharpest increase; the Fordham Tick Index shows risk levels at 9 out of 10 in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Why Tick Bites Matter
Ticks can transmit several serious diseases:
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Lyme disease (via blacklegged or deer ticks)
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Babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and powassan virus
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever (via American dog ticks)
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Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy triggered by Lone Star ticks)
ER visits often stem from concerns about potential disease, severe rash, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or muscle aches—common indicators of tick-borne infection.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
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Remove Promptly
Use fine-tip tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily upward—no twisting or crushing. -
Monitor Symptoms
Watch for signs like a rash (including bullseye), fever, chills, headache, or body aches over the next few weeks. -
Consult a Healthcare Provider
Especially if the tick was attached for over 36 hours or if symptoms appear. In high-Lyme areas, doctors may prescribe Doxycycline within 72 hours to prevent infection. -
Submit the Tick for Testing
In some regions, diagnostic labs offer testing to detect tick-borne pathogens.
How to Reduce Your Risk
✔️ Dress for Protection:
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck pant legs into socks.
✔️ Use Repellents & Permethrin:
Apply EPA-approved DEET or Picaridin. Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.
✔️ Stick to Trails:
Avoid brushing against tall grass or leaf litter—ticks tend to “quest” on vegetation.
✔️ Check Yourself and Others:
After outdoor activities, shower within 2 hours and do a full body check using mirrors. Don’t forget pets!
✔️ Landscape Smartly:
Keep lawns mowed, clear leaf litter, and create barriers between wooded areas and your yard .
When to Head to the ER
Seek medical attention immediately if:
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The tick cannot be removed fully
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A rash (especially bullseye) develops
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You experience fever, chills, headache, or joint pain
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You’re in a high-risk group (young children, elderly, immunocompromised)
Real-Life Impact: A Case to Know
A father in Massachusetts saw an alarming rash on his toddler after a tick bite. Though the child tested negative for Lyme disease, the situation prompted a hospital visit and a stark reminder of how serious tick exposures can become—especially in young children.
Final Word: Balance Fun with Safety
Outdoor activities are essential for health and happiness, but tick awareness is key. This summer’s unprecedented ER visits signal a need for renewed caution. With smart prevention and prompt response, you can enjoy hiking, gardening, and backyard fun without unnecessary worry.