Emergency department visits for tick bites across the U.S. have surged to their highest levels in nearly a decade, with CDC data showing 105 visits per 100,000 in April 2026. The Northeast and Midwest are seeing record or near-record rates. Experts attribute the boom to warmer winters and wet springs, which allow ticks to become active earlier and increase the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.
Tick Activity Statistics
- ▪Emergency department visits for tick bites in the U.S. have climbed to their highest rate in nearly 10 years
- ▪In April 2026, 105 of every 100,000 emergency department visits were for tick bites, the highest rate for that month since 2017
Regional Impact
- ▪All U.S. regions are reporting above-average tick activity in 2026
- ▪The University of Missouri Extension has issued warnings to farmers, hikers, and homeowners about the booming tick population
- ▪The Midwest saw 137 tick-related ER visits per 100,000 in April 2026, far surpassing the region's typical April average of 56 per 100,000
- ▪The Northeast region recorded the highest incident rate, with 188 emergency room visits per 100,000 in April 2026
Contributing Weather Factors
- ▪Ticks become fully active and begin seeking hosts once temperatures consistently cross 45 degrees
- ▪Warmer-than-average winters and a record-warm March 2026 in Missouri caused ticks to become active months ahead of schedule
- ▪A rainy March and April in Central Missouri created high humidity, which helps ticks survive by preventing dehydration
Health Risks and Prevention
- ▪Ticks can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia
- ▪Health officials recommend using an EPA-approved insect repellent and showering within two hours of being outdoors to prevent tick bites
- ▪The Lone Star tick, which thrives in warming climates, can trigger Alpha-gal syndrome, a permanent allergy to red meat and dairy products
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