Emergency room visits for tick bites are spiking across the U.S. this summer, with CDC data showing a sharp increase compared to recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 2017 had higher tick-related ER numbers since tracking began.
The Northeast leads the country in reported visits, followed by the Midwest and Southeast. Children under 10 years old and adults over 70 are experiencing the highest rates of ER visits due to tick bites.
Tick activity surging in the Northeast
Experts say increased outdoor activity during warmer months plays a role—but the risk isn’t just seasonal.
“Humans are outside more in summer so we hear about more tick infections,” said Sam Telford, an infectious disease specialist at Tufts University. “But every season is tick season.”
This year, states like New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are seeing above-average populations of deer ticks and American dog ticks, both known to spread disease.
Dr. Saravanan Thangamani of SUNY Upstate Medical University confirms that deer tick bites are up in New York compared to last year.
How to prevent tick bites
Health experts stress that the outdoors can still be enjoyed safely with proper precautions.
Dr. Christopher Bazzoli, emergency physician at Cleveland Clinic, recommends:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
- Tucking pants into socks
- Using insect repellents with DEET
- Staying on clear trails and avoiding tall grass
Bazzoli also noted that ticks prefer warm, moist areas like underarms, behind the knees, and around the ears.
“Check every inch of the body, including the scalp,” he advised.
What to do if you find a tick
If you spot a tick:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady pressure.
- If mouth parts remain, remove them with tweezers.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
After removal, watch for rash, fever, fatigue, or headache, which may signal an infection like Lyme disease.
Also, don’t forget to check pets, including under collars and between their toes.
Tick-borne illnesses are preventable
While rising tick encounters are a concern, they are manageable with early detection, consistent prevention, and quick action. The CDC continues to monitor tick populations and ER trends across the country.
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