Story perspectives

Midwest ER Tick Bites Hit Record High, CDC Warns

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Midwest emergency-room visits for tick bites rose to 115 per 100 000 people in April, the steepest seasonal increase on record.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nationwide emergency-room visits for tick bites are higher than normal, the highest rates since 2017.
CDC epidemiologist Dr. Alison Hinckley advised using EPA-registered repellent, wearing permethrin-treated clothing, checking for ticks and promptly removing any attached.

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Story summary

Midwest emergency-room visits for tick bites rose to 115 per 100 000 people in April, the steepest seasonal increase on record.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nationwide emergency-room visits for tick bites are higher than normal, the highest rates since 2017.
CDC epidemiologist Dr. Alison Hinckley advised using EPA-registered repellent, wearing permethrin-treated clothing, checking for ticks and promptly removing any attached.