Marylanders face surge in tick bite ER visits and Lyme cases
Updated
Updated · thebanner.com · May 7
Marylanders face surge in tick bite ER visits and Lyme cases
9 articles · Updated · thebanner.com · May 7
Federal data show emergency visits for tick bites are up more than 25% nationwide, while Maryland recorded more than 3,000 reported Lyme cases in 2024 after 2,463 in 2023.
Johns Hopkins experts say up to half of Maryland deer ticks carry Lyme bacteria, and doctors are also warning about babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome from lone star ticks.
Officials link the rise to warming temperatures expanding tick habitat, while the state urges repellents, protective clothing and tick checks; a Lyme vaccine in advanced studies could arrive within a year.
Beyond Lyme, a fatal red meat allergy from ticks is a new reality. What other invisible threats are spreading unnoticed?
As climate change makes tick season year-round, is our healthcare system prepared for this permanent and escalating public health crisis?
A Lyme vaccine is nearing approval. Who will be prioritized for the first doses and what will it cost?