Visits to emergency rooms for tick bites are higher than normal in many parts of the country right now, according to CDC’s Tick Bite Tracker. In all regions except the South Central United States, weekly rates of ER visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017.

In advance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, CDC is urging the public to take steps to protect themselves and their families from tick bites, and the serious diseases they can cause, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome.

Preventing tick bites is considered the best form of protection throughout tick season. If individuals do find an attached tick, they should remove it as soon as possible, and not wait to get to the ER. Removing attached ticks within 24 hours can help prevent Lyme disease.

Quote attributable to: Alison Hinckley, PhD, epidemiologist and Lyme disease expert with CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases

“Tick season is here and these tiny biters can make you seriously sick. The good news is you have options to help prevent tick bites when you spend time outdoors: You can wear EPA-registered insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing, do tick checks, and remove attached ticks as quickly as possible. These simple steps can go a long way in protecting you and your family from diseases spread by ticks. And if you develop a rash or fever in the days to weeks after a bite, or after being in an area with ticks, seek medical care promptly.”

Additional data and resources:

• Every year, an estimated 31 million people in the United States are bitten by a tick.
• Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the United States, with an estimated 476,000 patients treated for Lyme each year.

CDC has tips and resources for coping with the tick season: