# Emergency Room Visits for Tick Bites Surge to 13-Year High
Emergency room visits for tick bites have reached their highest levels in over a decade, signaling a growing public health concern as tick populations expand across North America.
The surge reflects both increased tick activity and rising awareness of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. Warmer winters and longer outdoor seasons have extended tick breeding periods, allowing populations to grow unchecked in many regions.
Healthcare providers recommend several evidence-based prevention strategies. Applying insect repellent containing 20 to 30 percent DEET to exposed skin and clothing offers strong protection. Permethrin-treated clothing and gear can provide lasting defense, particularly for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tucking pants into socks and wearing light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot before they attach.
After outdoor activities, thorough tick checks are essential. The CDC recommends checking your entire body, paying close attention to warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp where ticks prefer to attach. Pets should receive tick checks and preventive treatments as recommended by veterinarians.
Proper tick removal matters when prevention fails. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Crushing the tick or leaving mouth parts embedded increases infection risk. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water afterward.
Monitor bite sites for expanding rashes, which can indicate infection. Seek medical attention if a characteristic bullseye rash appears, or if fever, joint pain, or fatigue develop within weeks of a bite.
Understanding regional tick activity helps guide prevention efforts. Check local health department websites for information about tick species and disease prevalence in your area