Midwest ER Tick-Bite Visits Hit 332 per 100,000, Set to Top 2025
Updated
Updated · Lawrence Journal-World · Jun 13
Midwest ER Tick-Bite Visits Hit 332 per 100,000, Set to Top 2025
3 articles · Updated · Lawrence Journal-World · Jun 13
Summary
Midwest emergency rooms logged 332 tick-bite visits per 100,000 ER visits by May 2026, putting the region on pace to exceed 2025's 628 per 100,000.
April already showed unusually heavy activity: 137 of every 100,000 Midwest ER visits were tied to tick bites, according to CDC data.
Kansas health data show tick-borne illnesses have climbed since a sharp 2020 drop, though recent annual totals of 111 to 156 remain about half the 311 cases recorded in 2019.
Ehrlichiosis is now Kansas' most common tick-borne illness, while officials also warn of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, anaplasmosis and lone star tick-linked Alpha-gal syndrome.
CDC and Kansas officials urged prevention measures including EPA-registered repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, tick checks, prompt tick removal and seeking care quickly after a rash or fever.