Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The CDC reports that emergency room visits for tick bites are elevated in many regions of the United States in 2026, with weekly rates exceeding those seen since 2017 in every region except the South Central U.S., according to the CDC's Tick Bite Tracker.
As Lyme Disease Awareness Month approaches in May, the CDC urges the public to take precautions against tick bites and tickborne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. Preventing tick bites during tick season remains the most effective method of protection.
Alison Hinckley, PhD, epidemiologist and Lyme disease expert at the CDC, highlights preventive measures: use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear permethrin-treated clothing, check for ticks regularly, and remove attached ticks promptly. She stresses that ticks should be removed as soon as possible—preferably within 24 hours—to help prevent Lyme disease, rather than waiting to seek emergency care. Individuals who develop a rash or fever days to weeks after a tick bite or visiting tick-prone areas should seek medical attention promptly.
An estimated 31 million people in the U.S. are bitten by ticks each year. Lyme disease is the most common tickborne illness, with approximately 476,000 patients treated annually. The CDC offers resources for tick bite prevention, safe tick removal, and recognition of tickborne illness symptoms.