Tick Bites Surge Across America, Sending More to the ER

CDC data shows tick-related emergency room visits have more than doubled the usual average in recent weeks.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal structure of a tick, with its legs and body glowing against a dark background, conveying the clinical and scientific nature of this public health issue.An X-ray view of a tick's internal anatomy highlights the growing public health threat posed by these disease-carrying pests.NYC Today

According to new data from the CDC, tick bites are sending Americans to the emergency room at the highest rate in nearly a decade. During the second week of April, 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were for tick-related issues, more than double the usual average of about 30 per 100,000. The Northeast is seeing the biggest spike, followed by the Midwest, Southeast, West and South Central regions.

Why it matters

Tick bites can transmit a range of dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and even the rare but potentially deadly condition of meningoencephalitis. With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, the surge in ER visits highlights the growing public health threat posed by these blood-sucking pests.

The details

The CDC data shows that for every 100,000 ER visits in the Northeast, 163 were for tick-related complaints, up from 52 in March. In New Jersey, 13 out of every 100,000 ER visits were tick-related, while in New York the rate was an alarming 80 per 100,000. Experts say the numbers are "well above historic average and even well above last year."

  • During the second week of April, tick-related ER visits spiked.
  • In March, the Northeast saw 52 tick-related ER visits per 100,000.

The players

CDC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national public health institute in the United States.

Dr. John J. Halperin

Chair of the New Jersey Stroke Care Advisory Panel and member of the department of neuroscience at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in New Jersey.

New York State Parks Department

The government agency responsible for managing New York's state park system.

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What they’re saying

“We're running well above historic average and even well above last year.”

— Dr. John J. Halperin, Chair of the New Jersey Stroke Care Advisory Panel and member of the department of neuroscience at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in New Jersey

What’s next

The New York State Parks Department is already warning people to be mindful of ticks as they get outdoors in the warm weather.

The takeaway

This surge in tick-related ER visits underscores the growing public health threat posed by these disease-carrying pests. With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, it's crucial for people to take preventive measures like using insect repellent, covering up, and conducting thorough tick checks after being outdoors.