U.S. Tick Bite ER Visits Hit 71 per 100,000 in April, Highest Since 2017
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 30
U.S. Tick Bite ER Visits Hit 71 per 100,000 in April, Highest Since 2017
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 30
Summary
CDC tracker data showed about 71 tick bite-related ER visits per 100,000 total visits in April 2026, more than double the seasonal average of roughly 30 and the highest level for this point in the year since 2017.
Children under 10 and adults ages 70 to 79 recorded some of the highest visit rates, underscoring concern that heavier tick exposure could lift cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Doctors linked the surge to warmer, wetter weather, milder winters, land development into wooded areas and expanding deer populations, all of which help ticks survive longer and spread into new habitats.
That spread is widening disease risk beyond traditional hotspots: Ohio's Lyme cases have risen about 10-fold in a decade, and experts say lone star ticks are moving north, bringing ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome with them.
The broader health burden is already substantial — about 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year — and experts warn Powassan virus can cause severe neurologic injury with a 10% to 15% fatality rate.
Beyond bug spray, what ecological solutions can address the root causes of America's escalating tick-borne disease crisis?
With a new Lyme vaccine on the horizon, will public hesitancy and booster needs hinder its success in curbing the epidemic?
As a tick-induced meat allergy spreads, why is it so hard to diagnose before a person has a dangerous allergic reaction?
2026 Tick Bite Crisis: Unprecedented ER Visits and Expanding Disease Threats Across America
Overview
In 2026, the United States is facing an unprecedented surge in tick bites, with an estimated 31 million people affected each year. This rise has led to a greater burden on emergency rooms, as more people seek medical attention due to the risk of serious tick-borne diseases. Lyme disease remains the most common, with nearly half a million cases treated annually, but ticks also transmit other dangerous pathogens that can cause severe complications like organ or respiratory failure. The growing threat highlights the importance of prompt medical care and increased public awareness to prevent and manage tick-related health issues.