CDC Reports Surge in Tick Bite ER Visits, Highest Level in Over a Decade

The CDC reported in May 2026 that emergency room visits related to tick bites have reached their highest level in more than a decade.

Health officials are urging people to take precautions during outdoor activities as tick season peaks across much of the United States. Recommended steps include wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and checking for ticks after spending time outside.

Ticks should be removed promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. The CDC advises grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Twisting or jerking the tick can cause parts of it to break off and remain in the skin.

Tick-borne illnesses of concern include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Symptoms vary by illness but often include fever, headache, fatigue, and in some cases a characteristic rash.

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, but delayed diagnosis can lead to more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

A case reported in May 2026 highlighted the risks of misdiagnosis: a dairy farmer was treated for Lyme disease for years before doctors discovered the actual cause was lupus, an autoimmune condition with overlapping symptoms.

Health officials recommend that anyone who develops symptoms after a tick bite seek medical attention promptly and inform their doctor about the exposure.