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Tick season is expected to be worse than normal as ER visits rise in much of the U.S.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- The CDC reports the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017, signaling a worsening tick season across most of the U.S. due to climate change.
- Ticks are spreading into new areas as warmer temperatures expand their habitat, increasing the risk of tick-borne diseases such as those carried by lone star ticks and the Powassan virus.
- The lone star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy, while Powassan virus affects the central nervous system with severe symptoms like memory loss and seizures.
- Despite education efforts, tick-borne diseases are on the rise, prompting camps like Camp Edwards YMCA in Wisconsin to teach children how to check for ticks regularly.
- The CDC advises removing ticks within 24 hours to reduce the risk of Lyme disease and recommends using bug repellents, wearing long clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
