CDC Reports Tick Bite ER Visits at Highest Level in Over a Decade
Emergency room visits for tick bites reached their highest levels in more than ten years, according to a CDC report released in late May 2026. Health officials are urging people to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis are all on the rise.
Emergency room visits for tick bites hit their highest levels in more than a decade, the CDC reported in late May 2026.
The agency did not release a single cause for the spike, but health officials point to a combination of factors: warmer winters that allow tick populations to survive longer, more people spending time outdoors, and growing tick ranges that now extend into areas where they were previously rare.
Tick-borne illnesses are a serious concern. Lyme disease is the most common, with an estimated 476,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis are also spreading.
Symptoms of tick-borne illness vary but often include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Lyme disease can cause a distinctive bull's-eye rash. Left untreated, these illnesses can cause serious complications including joint damage, heart problems, and neurological issues.
Doctors recommend checking for ticks after any time spent outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks should be removed promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure.
Preventive measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and treating clothing and gear with permethrin.
The CDC advises anyone who develops symptoms after a tick bite to see a doctor promptly. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective for most tick-borne bacterial infections.
