Tick-Related ER Visits Reach Highest Number Since 2017, CDC Says

Summer is filled with exciting new adventures, days spent outdoors and…plenty of ticks.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals tick-related emergency room visits have reached an eight-year high. Thanks to a wetter-than-usual spring and early summer, tick activity has surged in many parts of the country. In May, tick bites accounted for about 134 out of every 100,000 ER visits—the highest monthly rate so far this year. That number dropped to 116 in June. And even though we’re only halfway through July, the rate is already at 87 per 100,000, putting us on track for the highest mid-summer numbers since 2017.

Unsurprisingly, young kids are among the most at-risk. Kids 9 and under are most likely to end up in the ER after a tick bite. Geographically, the Northeast is experiencing the highest rate of tick-related ER visits, followed by the Midwest and Southeast.

Experts say that while these numbers may not sound an alarm, it’s important to consider that these are only the cases that warrant an ER visit. The actual number of tick bites is likely much higher. And while many tick bites are harmless, others can cause a range of mild to series illnesses from Lyme Disease to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and more. Ticks can be easy to miss and symptoms don’t always show up right away, making prevention and early detection especially important. In cases of Lyme disease, prompt removal of the tick can significantly reduce the risk of illness.

So what are parents to do? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC recommend these simple but important steps:

• Be tick-aware. Avoid tick-prone areas when possible. If you’re heading into grassy, wooded, or brushy spots, even those in your own backyard, treat clothing and gear with insect repellent and encourage your child to wear light colors, long pants and socks.
• Do a daily tick check. After outdoor play, inspect your child from head to toe. Start looking in hotspots where ticks tend to hide, like behind knees and under arms, and don’t forget easily missed places like behind the ears, in between toes, on the head or along the hairline. A shower within two hours of coming inside can also help wash away any unattached ticks.
• Remove ticks quickly and properly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure, careful not to twist or squeeze. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol afterward.
• Call your pediatrician when needed. If the tick was attached for more than 36 hours, or you’re unsure what kind it was, reach out to your child’s doctor. They can help determine next steps, including whether treatment is needed.

And while you’re checking your little ones, don’t forget to check yourself and other family members too! Want to be extra prepared? Learn more about how to protect your child from ticks and check out our roundup of the best baby-safe bug sprays.