# ER Visits for Tick Bites Surge to Record Levels
Emergency room visits for tick bites have reached their highest numbers in over a decade, signaling a growing public health concern as tick populations expand and diseases they carry spread more widely.
The surge reflects both increased tick exposure and rising awareness of serious illnesses ticks transmit. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis top the list of tick-borne infections. These conditions can cause severe complications if left untreated, ranging from joint pain and neurological damage to heart problems.
Several factors drive the spike. Warming temperatures extend tick season, allowing these parasites to thrive in new geographic regions. Habitat loss pushes ticks closer to residential areas. More people spending time outdoors during warmer months increases exposure risk.
Parents should take prevention seriously, especially when children play in wooded areas, tall grass, or brush. The CDC recommends using insect repellents containing DEET (20 percent concentration or higher) or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing. Wearing long pants tucked into socks and long sleeves creates a physical barrier. Treating clothing and gear with permethrin before outdoor activities offers additional protection.
After outdoor time, conduct thorough tick checks on your entire family, including behind ears, in hair, and between toes. Remove any ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick, which can release infected fluids.
Watch for symptoms in the days and weeks following tick exposure. Early Lyme disease often produces a bull's-eye rash around the bite site, along with fever, fatigue, and joint pain. Rocky Mountain spotted fever causes fever, headache, and distinctive rash on