According to the latest CDC data (April 2026), emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest level for this time of year since 2017 — in nearly every region of the United States (except the South Central area). In mid-April alone, 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were due to tick bites — more than double the usual average.
Every year:
- An estimated 31 million Americans get bitten by ticks.
- 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease (the most common tick-borne illness).
This year’s early surge is raising alarms. Ticks are active earlier, populations are booming, and they’re spreading into new areas. Milder winters, warmer springs, and booming host populations (deer and mice) are helping drive the increase. Other serious illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy) are also transmitted by ticks.
Why this matters right now:
- Nymph ticks (tiny, poppy-seed size) are the most dangerous because they’re hard to spot.
- Lyme disease is most treatable when caught early — but symptoms can appear weeks later.
- One bite can change your life if ignored.
How to protect yourself and your family:
- Wear long sleeves, long pants (tuck pants into socks), and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothes/gear).
- Stay on trails and avoid tall grass/leaf litter.
- Do a full-body tick check (including scalp, armpits, groin, and behind knees) after every outdoor activity.
- Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors.
- Check your pets too.
- Remove any attached tick quickly with fine-tipped tweezers (pull straight out — don’t twist).
Early removal saves lives and prevents long-term illness.
Share this with friends and family who love hiking, camping, gardening, or just spending time outside. Stay safe this season!
Leave a Reply