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Tick-Bite ER Visits Surge to Highest Spring Levels Since 2017

Unusual spring weather is bringing ticks out earlier, raising infection risk.

Overview

  • CDC tracking shows emergency visits for tick bites are running above any recent year for this point in the season across every region except the South Central U.S.
  • In the Northeast, April visits are about 40% higher than last year, with Pennsylvania and New Jersey reporting especially active tick populations.
  • Wisconsin health data show 44 tick-bite visits per 10,000 ER visits in April, roughly double the rate a year ago.
  • Entomologists point to warm, wet conditions and even insulating winter snow as factors that helped more ticks survive and become active sooner.
  • Public health advice stresses EPA‑registered repellents, permethrin‑treated clothing, full‑body tick checks, fast removal with fine tweezers, and prompt care if fever, rash, or joint pain appear.