ER Visits for Tick Bites Reach Highest Level In Nearly a Decade: What to Know

If you feel like there are more ticks in the woods this year, you aren't imagining it. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans are seeking emergency medical care for tick bites at the highest rate in nearly a decade.

The numbers are startling: by mid-April 2026, tick-related ER visits were running at more than double the historic average. "We're running well above the historic average and even well above last year," warns Dr. John J. Halperin, a neurologist at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center.

Northeast and Midwest Face "Triple-Digit" Spikes in Tick Bites

While the surge is national, the Northeast is the epicenter of the current outbreak. In New York alone, 80 out of every 100,000 ER visits are currently tick-related. The Midwest and Southeast follow closely behind as the warm weather brings these parasites out of the leaf litter earlier than usual.

State park departments across the country are already issuing high-alert warnings. The concern isn't just the bite itself, but the "cocktail" of bacteria, viruses, and parasites ticks now carry.

Lyme, Alpha-gal, and Brain Inflammation from Tick Bites

While Lyme disease remains the most common threat, the CDC is highlighting increasingly dangerous conditions linked to recent bites:

• Alpha-gal Syndrome: A tick-triggered allergy that can make the consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb) life-threatening.
• Meningoencephalitis: A rare inflammation of the brain and its lining. Symptoms include stiff neck, light sensitivity, confusion, and seizures.
• Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Parasitic and bacterial infections that can lead to organ failure if not treated immediately.

How to Protect Yourself Against Ticks

To avoid becoming a statistic, experts recommend a "defense-first" approach to the outdoors. The CDC suggests using EPA-registered repellents that contain at least 20% DEET or 20% picaridin.

If you are hiking, stay in the center of the trails and avoid high grass. Once you return home, a "full-body scan" is mandatory. Ticks are opportunistic and often hide in "hot zones" like the armpits, groin, inside the belly button, and behind the ears.

What to Do if You Find a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, do not panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Pro Tip: Take a clear photo of the tick after removal. This can help medical professionals identify the species and determine which diseases you may have been exposed to. Watch for a "bullseye" rash, fever, or unexplained joint pain in the days following the bite.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 12:09 AM.