In April 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest rates of weekly emergency room visits for tick bites in nearly 10 years. Tick bites can happen year-round, but bites are more common between the months of April and September, when it’s warmer. It's important to protect yourself from ticks and prevent bites, since they may cause serious illnesses. 

What are Tick-Borne Illnesses? 

In the U.S., Lyme disease is the most common illness caused by tick bites. Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks, also known as “deer ticks.” About 467,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. If left untreated, it can affect the joints, heart and nervous system, causing arthritis, irregular heartbeat and facial paralysis.  

Symptoms of Lyme disease typically include: 

• Fever  
• Feeling unusually tired 
• Headache 
• A rash that: 
  • doesn't hurt 
  • is oval or bullseye-shaped  
  • covers more of your skin over time 

Other common illnesses caused by tick bites include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Alpha-gal Syndrome, both of which spread through the bite of an infected tick. Alpha-gal Syndrome is often associated with Lone Star ticks. Both illnesses can be life-threatening if not treated.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever symptoms:          

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Spotted rash 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Stomachache or muscle pain 
• Lack of appetite 

Alpha-gal Syndrome symptoms: 

• Serious allergy to red meat 

What Should You Do After a Tick Bite? 

After a tick bite, you should remove the attached tick as soon as possible and go to the emergency room. Removing a tick within 24 hours of being bitten can help prevent Lyme disease, although this grace period may not prevent the spread of illnesses like Alpha-gal Syndrome. After a tick is removed, a small red bump, similar to a mosquito bite, may appear.  

For the next 30 days, watch for characteristic symptoms such as: 

• Flu-like symptoms 
• Bullseye rash 
• Spotted rash 
• Joint swelling and muscle pain

Call your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.  

Treatments:

• Antibiotics may help prevent Lyme Disease 
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever should be treated early with the antibiotic doxycycline 
• Alpha-gal Syndrome should be managed by a doctor 

Preventing Bites

The best way to prevent tick-borne illnesses is to prevent tick bites!  

Before going outdoors: 

• Know where ticks may be and avoid contact with wooded or bushy areas and tall grass 
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes if entering areas where ticks may be  
• Apply insect repellent to clothing, gear and exposed skin 

After coming indoors: 

• Conduct a full body check for ticks when coming indoors from possibly tick-infested areas