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Tick bites causing highest rate of ER visits in a decade: CDC

Nationally, weekly emergency room visits for tick bites reached their highest level in nearly a decade, with 71 per 100,000 visits compared to the typical 30 per 100,000 average, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Warmer, hotter weather is likely causing an earlier onset of tick activity, leading to higher bite rates throughout the year. Dr. John Halperin of Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center noted the ticks have started earlier this season.
In the Northeast, 163 per 100,000 ER visits involved tick-related complaints, while Pennsylvania reported a 14-day average of 223 ticks in April. Dr. Jonathan Thierman of ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers reported treating 160 cases of potential Lyme disease.
Dr. Hannah Goldberg of Mercy Medical Center advised patients to consult primary care doctors for tick bites first rather than heading to the ER. ER visits are appropriate only if fever persists after an initial visit, Goldberg said.
Preventing tick bites requires checking bodies after outdoor activities, showering within two hours, and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET. Staying in the center of trails and avoiding tall grass reduces exposure risk.

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