Tick Bites Surge in Emergency Rooms Across America

CDC data shows tick-related ER visits more than double the usual average this spring.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a tick, with its legs and body defined by glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the medical dangers of tick-borne illnesses.An X-ray view of a tick's anatomy highlights the growing public health threat posed by these disease-carrying insects.NYC Today

According to new data from the CDC, tick bites are sending Americans to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade. During the second week of April 2026, 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were for tick bites - 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, and babesiosis. Some tick bites can even trigger deadly allergic reactions like Alpha-gal syndrome. The surge in tick-related 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 York, a whopping 80 out of every 100,000 ER visits were for tick bites. 'We're running well above historic average and even well above last year,' said Dr. John J. Halperin, chair of the New Jersey Stroke Care Advisory Panel.

  • During the second week of April 2026, 71 out of every 100,000 emergency room visits were for tick bites.
  • In March, the rate was about 52 out of every 100,000 ER visits for tick-related complaints in the Northeast.

The players

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading 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

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 CDC recommends taking precautions like using EPA-registered insect repellents, covering up with long sleeves and pants, and doing thorough tick checks after being outdoors.

The takeaway

This surge in tick-related ER visits underscores the growing public health threat posed by these disease-carrying pests. As warmer weather arrives, it's crucial for people to take preventive measures and remain vigilant about checking for ticks to avoid serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.