Tick bite-related emergency room visits have reached their highest seasonal levels since 2017 in many regions of the United States, raising concerns about the potential increase in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. This information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Tick Bite Tracker, which monitors weekly emergency department visits associated with tick bites nationwide.
In April 2026, there were approximately 71 tick bite-related ER visits for every 100,000 visits, compared to a historical average of about 30 per 100,000. Children under 10 years old and adults aged 70 to 79 are among those with the highest rates of tick-related ER visits.
Dr. Steven Goldberg, a family medicine physician at UofLHealth in Louisville, Kentucky, noted that the geographic range of the blacklegged tick has expanded significantly over the past three decades, increasing the risk of Lyme disease and other infections transmitted by Ixodes ticks. He highlighted the Ohio River Valley as a notable area, where Lyme disease cases have increased approximately tenfold in the last decade due to the convergence of tick populations from the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
States such as Virginia and West Virginia are also reporting rising tick populations and disease cases. The lone star tick is expanding its range northward, leading to the emergence of diseases like ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome in new areas.
Climate studies suggest that the suitable habitat for blacklegged ticks could increase by over 200% by the end of the century, affecting regions including Canada and the central and southern U.S. Warmer and wetter conditions are allowing ticks to survive in previously inhospitable areas, while milder winters extend the lifespan of ticks and their hosts.
Increased land development and human encroachment into wooded areas, along with the recovery of white-tailed deer populations, are contributing factors to the rise in tick populations. Lyme disease cases have reportedly increased two- to threefold over the past 20 years, with approximately 476,000 Americans diagnosed and treated for the disease annually, according to CDC data.
Other tick-borne illnesses include anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and the Powassan virus, which can cause severe neurological injury. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may include fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. The classic 'bullseye' rash associated with Lyme disease is known as erythema migrans.
Currently, there are no vaccines available for tick-borne diseases in the U.S., making prevention the most effective strategy. Medical professionals recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms develop after a known tick bite or after spending time in areas prone to ticks, especially during the spring, summer, and fall.