Tick Bites on the Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that emergency room visits related to tick bites are running significantly higher than normal across much of the United States, signaling what could become one of the most active tick seasons in years.

According to data released in late April by the CDC, weekly rates of emergency department visits for tick bites are at their highest levels for this time of year since 2017 in every region of the country except the South Central United States.

CDC officials said the increase is being tracked through the agency’s Tick Bite Tracker, which monitors emergency room data nationwide. During one recent week in April, 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were related to tick bites — more than double the typical seasonal average of about 30 visits per 100,000.

Health experts say the surge likely reflects a combination of environmental and behavioral factors, including warmer winters, earlier springs, expanding tick habitats and increased outdoor activity.

“Tick season is here and these tiny biters can make you seriously sick,” CDC epidemiologist Alison Hinckley said in the agency’s statement. She encouraged people spending time outdoors to use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear permethrin-treated clothing, perform tick checks, and remove attached ticks quickly.

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases affecting both humans and animals, including Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat triggered by certain tick bites.

Medical experts say the Northeast and Midwest are currently seeing the highest concentrations of tick-related ER visits, though increases have been reported across the Southeast and other regions as well.

Veterinarians are also urging pet owners to remain vigilant. Dogs and cats can carry ticks into homes after spending time outdoors, increasing exposure risks for families. The CDC recommends using veterinarian-approved tick prevention products for pets and checking animals thoroughly after walks, hikes, or time in wooded areas.

The CDC advises anyone who develops fever, rash, fatigue, muscle aches or other flu-like symptoms after a tick bite to seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment is critical for many tick-borne illnesses.

CAPC forecast mirrors CDC concerns

The CDC’s warning about rising tick exposure aligns closely with projections recently released by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), which forecast continued expansion of tick-borne disease risk across the United States in 2026.

In its annual Pet Parasite Forecast, CAPC projected growing geographic spread of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm — including in regions once considered low or moderate risk. The organization’s forecasts are based on analysis of more than 10 million veterinary diagnostic test results per disease annually and have historically achieved 94% accuracy when compared with nationwide testing data.

“Vector-borne disease risk continues to expand — and not in straight lines,” said Kathryn E. Reif, MSPH, PhD, associate professor in parasitology at Auburn University, CAPC board member and lead author of the 2026 forecast. She noted that climate-driven warming, changing land use, wildlife movement and increased pet travel are all contributing to the spread of ticks and the diseases they carry.

CAPC’s report highlighted Lyme disease in particular, projecting continued expansion beyond traditional hotspots in the Northeast and Upper Midwest into states including Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. According to the organization, rising infection rates in dogs often mirror increasing risks for humans as well.

“Dogs are sentinels for human health,” said Craig Prior, BVSc, CVJ, CAPC board member. “When we see rising Lyme, ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis risk in dogs, it often reflects the same environmental pressures affecting people.”

The findings reinforce growing concern among both veterinary and public health experts that tick-borne diseases are becoming a year-round challenge requiring stronger prevention efforts, routine testing and greater awareness among pet owners and families spending time outdoors.

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