Early Tick Season Raises Disease Concerns Across the U.S.
Early Tick Season Raises Disease Concerns Across the U.S.
US · Published Apr 30, 2026
The tick season has started unusually early across the U.S., leading to concerns about increased tick-borne diseases.
The CDC advises public vigilance due to high emergency room visits for tick bites, peaking typically in May.
Climate change and mild winters are contributing to the rise in tick populations, increasing the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Early tick season raises disease concerns
An unusually early tick season is underway in the United States, raising concerns about a potential increase in tick-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest levels since 2017, excluding the south-central region, prompting a public advisory for increased vigilance. This early surge in tick activity is attributed to factors such as climate change and mild winters, which support the growth of tick populations. Ticks are carriers of several serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, the latter causing allergic reactions to red meat.
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