# ER Visits for Tick Bites Surge to 12-Year High
Emergency room visits for tick-related problems have reached their highest levels in over a decade, according to recent health data. The increase reflects growing concern about tick-borne illnesses and complications from tick bites themselves.
Ticks transmit serious infections including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus. These pathogens can cause joint pain, neurological damage, and long-term disability if untreated. The surge in ER visits suggests both more tick exposure and increased awareness of tick-related health risks.
Prevention remains the most effective defense. The CDC recommends several practical steps for outdoor activities. Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing and gear. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to spot ticks more easily. Tuck pants into socks when hiking in tall grass or brush.
Check your body thoroughly after spending time outdoors, paying special attention to warm, moist areas like armpits, groin, and behind knees. Ticks can be tiny, sometimes no larger than a pinhead. Remove any tick you find using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting or crushing it. Save the tick in a sealed bag for later identification if symptoms develop.
Wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment if the skin breaks.
Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter from your yard, where ticks often hide. Treat pets with veterinarian-approved tick prevention products, as they can carry ticks into your home.
Watch for symptoms appearing days or weeks after a bite. Early signs of L