Minnesota Enters Top 10 for Tick Bite ER Visits as U.S. Rate Hits 71 per 100,000
Updated
Updated · KSTP · May 28
Minnesota Enters Top 10 for Tick Bite ER Visits as U.S. Rate Hits 71 per 100,000
5 articles · Updated · KSTP · May 28
Minnesota is now among the 10 U.S. states reporting high emergency-room visits for tick bites, according to CDC data.
CDC tracking shows tick-bite ER visits are rising nationwide, with Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan also appearing on the high-visit list.
U.S. visits reached 71 per 100,000 in April 2026—the highest seasonal level since 2017 and well above the historical average of 30.
Health officials have linked the increase to expanding tick activity and disease risk, driven by warmer, wetter conditions, milder winters and more human activity in wooded areas.
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.