Emergency room visits for tick bites have surged to near-record levels this summer across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits in eight years, with the northeastern U.S. experiencing the most cases.
The CDC data indicates that children under ten and adults over 70 are most likely to visit the ER due to tick bites. Infectious disease experts warn that these groups are at the highest risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Symptoms of these diseases include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
To prevent tick bites, the CDC advises avoiding wooded areas, long grass, and leaf litter. The agency recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET and Picaridin and treating clothing and gear with permethrin. For those who spend time outdoors, it is important to check for ticks on the body and in the hair and to be alert for distinctive rashes that may indicate a tick-borne illness.
The Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, currently rates the risk of a tick bite as "very high," or nine out of ten on its scale. This heightened risk has prompted medical professionals to issue further warnings to the public about the health threats posed by ticks.
Straight Arrow News reports that the CDC's updated prevention guidelines emphasize the importance of targeted awareness and protection measures, especially in regions with high tick activity.
Links
https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/cmo/er-visits-tick-bites-near-record-levels-summer-across-us
🕷️ Got a tick bite? Here's what to do right away and in the days that follow:
🧰 Immediate Steps
- Remove the tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure—don’t twist or jerk.
- Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat. These can agitate the tick and increase the risk of infection.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
- Dispose of the tick safely by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, or flushing it down the toilet. Don’t crush it with your fingers.
🩺 Watch for Symptoms
- Monitor for signs of illness over the next few weeks. Look out for:
- A rash, especially a bull’s-eye pattern
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain3
- Take a photo of any rash that develops—it can help your doctor with diagnosis.
🧑⚕️ When to Call a Doctor
- If you can’t remove the tick completely
- If the rash expands or persists
- If you develop flu-like symptoms
- If you suspect the tick was a deer tick, which can carry Lyme disease
Some doctors may recommend a preventive dose of antibiotics in high-risk areas for Lyme disease, so it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Want help identifying the tick or tracking symptoms? The CDC offers a Tick Bite Bot that walks you through next steps based on your situation.