Why tick bites are surging in the US this year

Key Points:

• Emergency room visits for tick bites in the U.S. surged to their highest levels since 2017 starting as early as March 2026, with increased activity noted nationwide except in the South Central region.
• Rising temperatures due to global warming are enabling ticks to expand into previously inhospitable colder regions, increasing the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.
• Tick-borne illnesses often present with nonspecific symptoms like fever and muscle aches, making physician awareness critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Experts advise prompt removal of ticks with tweezers and discourage ineffective methods like burning or smothering the tick; prevention strategies include using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and regularly checking both people and pets for ticks.
• Despite preventive efforts, experts emphasize that there is no zero-risk environment for tick exposure, even in backyards, underscoring the importance of vigilance during outdoor activities.