# ER Visits for Tick Bites Hit Record High
Emergency room visits for tick bites have climbed to their highest levels in more than a decade, signaling a growing public health concern as tick-borne illnesses spread across North America. The surge reflects both increased tick populations and rising awareness of serious diseases these insects transmit.
Ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis, and other infections that can cause lasting health problems if left untreated. Children spending time outdoors during warmer months face particular risk, as do families who hike, camp, or live in wooded areas.
Prevention starts with practical outdoor habits. Before heading into tick-prone environments, apply insect repellent containing 20 to 30 percent DEET to exposed skin and clothing. Products like Sawyer Permethrin work well on clothes, shoes, and gear since they kill ticks on contact. Wear long pants tucked into socks, long sleeves, and light-colored clothing so you spot ticks more easily.
After outdoor time, check your entire body thoroughly. Ticks often hide in hair, armpits, behind knees, and in the groin area. Parents should examine children closely, as kids often miss ticks during self-checks.
If you find a tick, remove it properly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, squeezing, or crushing the tick, as this can push bacteria into the bite. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Keep the tick in a sealed bag or container for at least two weeks. If your child develops a rash, fever, or joint pain in the following weeks, bring the tick to your doctor for identification. Early treatment with