Surge in Tick Bites Sends Record Number of People to ER
A record number of people are landing in the emergency room from tick bites, and the insect's most active season is just getting started.
people.comHere’s the latest on tick bites based on recent public reporting and health alerts.
Key takeaways
- There is a notable uptick in tick bites and related emergency visits in several U.S. regions, with health agencies warning that the season is starting earlier than usual in some areas. These trends have been covered by major outlets and public health bodies in 2025–2026. [cite ][cite ][cite ]
- Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses remain the primary concerns, but health officials emphasize that many tick-related infections are potentially preventable with prompt bite prevention, careful tick checks after outdoor activity, and proper clothing/repellents. [cite ][cite ]
What this means for you in Los Angeles / California
- California reports typically see fewer Lyme disease cases than the Northeast/M Midwest, but other tick-borne illnesses can occur. Prevention remains important when you’re outdoors (hiking, camping, parks). Use repellent with approved active ingredients, perform tick checks after time outside, and treat gear/clothing if you expect exposure. [cite ]
- While far from tick hotspots in some seasons, travel to endemic areas can still pose risk; be mindful when visiting forests, grasslands, and parks, and conduct a thorough tick check after return. [cite ]
Prevention tips (practical)
- Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks; choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
- Use EPA-registered repellents on skin and permethrin-treated clothing/gear.
- Stay on clear trails, avoid tall grasses and brush where ticks are common.
- After outdoor activity, perform a thorough full-body tick check, shower within a few hours, and inspect gear, pets, and clothing.
- If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling upward calmly and evenly, then clean the area and monitor for symptoms over the following days to weeks.
When to seek care
- If you develop fever, severe headache, rash, joint pain, or fatigue after a tick bite or outdoor exposure, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Some tick-borne illnesses can progress quickly if not treated early. [cite ]
Would you like a concise, location-specific prevention checklist for outdoor activities around Los Angeles, or a quick one-page summary you can print? I can tailor it to your activities (hiking, camping, walking the dog, etc.) and provide a printable version. [cite ][cite ]