Tick Bites Are Increasing Emergency Room Visits

According to the U.S. CDC's Tick Bite Data Tracker dashboard, emergency room visits for tick bites have accelerated.

As of mid-May 2024, most tick disease cases in the U.S. have been concentrated in the Northeast, followed by the Midwest.

The CDC estimates that approximately 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease yearly.

While Lyme disease received the most media attention, common Tickborne diseases in the United States include Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

While the Lyme disease vaccine candidate (VLA15) continues conducting late-stage research, it previously received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Fast Track designation. The vaccine manufacturers have indicated updated study results in 2025.

Until a preventive Lyme disease vaccine becomes available, the CDC recommends protecting yourself from ticks by applying DEET or picaridin, treating clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.