Tick bites are sending more people to the ER this summer than in recent years. Experts say May saw the highest number of tick-related visits since 2019, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Warmer, wetter weather is helping ticks spread, and more people are heading to the doctor as soon as they find one.
Doctors say most visits are from people with a tick still attached, not because they feel sick. Some ticks can spread serious illnesses like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but not every bite causes infection. The longer a tick stays on your skin, the higher the risk.
To stay safe, use bug spray, wear long clothing outdoors, and check your skin when you come inside. If you find a tick, use tweezers to gently pull it off and avoid squeezing it. You usually don’t need to go to the ER unless you feel sick — an urgent care visit or a call to your doctor is enough in most cases.
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