CDC says tick-bite ER visits are unusually high as summer risk begins
CDC says emergency room visits for tick bites are running higher than usual in many parts of the country, a reminder to use repellent, check for ticks after time outdoors, and remove attached ticks quickly. The agency says people should watch for rash or fever in the days and weeks after a bite.
Emergency room visits for tick bites are running higher than usual in many parts of the country, according to the CDC. With warmer weather bringing more time outdoors, public health officials are urging families, schools, outdoor workers, and caregivers to use simple prevention steps now.
The main message is calm and practical: avoid tick bites when you can, check for ticks after being outside, and remove any attached tick as soon as possible. If a rash or fever develops in the days or weeks after a bite, seek medical care promptly.
What the CDC found
In an April 23 CDC statement, the agency said weekly rates of emergency room visits for tick bites are higher than normal in many parts of the country. In all regions except the South Central United States, the rates are the highest for this time of year since 2017.
The timing matters because tick activity typically rises as spring turns into summer. The CDC also pointed to Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May as a reminder to be alert during outdoor activities, yard work, sports, camping, and other warm-weather routines.
Why this matters now
Not every tick bite leads to illness, but ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The CDC says the best protection is to prevent bites in the first place and to remove attached ticks quickly.
Public health experts also note that this kind of ER data is only an early warning signal. It does not prove how many people will get sick later this season, but it does suggest that exposure is already picking up in some areas.
Simple steps to lower risk
The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, or 2-undecanone. It also recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, and using permethrin-treated clothing or gear.
After outdoor time, check your body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks. Shower soon after being outdoors if you can, since that may help wash off unattached ticks you did not notice right away.
People can also reduce risk around the home by keeping grass short, clearing brush, and paying attention to pets that may bring ticks inside.
What to do after a bite
If you find a tick attached to your skin, the CDC says to remove it as soon as possible. Do not wait for a healthcare visit just to have it taken off. Fine-tipped tweezers work well for removal.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands. The CDC advises against using petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances to try to make the tick detach.
Watch for rash or fever in the days or weeks after the bite. If that happens, contact a clinician and mention when the bite occurred and where you likely picked up the tick.
Who should pay extra attention
Families with children, school staff, campers, gardeners, hikers, outdoor workers, and caregivers in higher-risk regions should be especially alert this spring and summer. People in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and other tick-prone areas may see more exposure risk during outdoor activities, but the CDC says elevated ER visits are showing up in many parts of the country.
The bottom line
This is not a reason to panic about every bug bite. It is a reminder that a few basic steps — repellent, tick checks, quick removal, and early attention to symptoms — can lower the chance that a tick bite turns into a bigger problem.
If a tick bite is followed by fever, rash, or feeling unwell, get medical advice promptly.
Sources
Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.
