Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest tick seasons in nearly a decade, and pediatric ERs are seeing the brunt of it. The CDC reports that weekly emergency visits for tick bites are running well above usual, with the highest counts in kids ages 0 to 9. The reassuring news: most tick bites do not lead to illness, and simple habits — EPA-registered repellent, light-colored clothing, and a quick after-play tick check — stop the vast majority of problems before they start.
Thursday, May 7, 2026Seasonal Health
Tick Season Hits Early — and Kids Are Leading the ER Visits
CDC data show weekly tick-bite ER visits are the highest since 2017, with children 0–9 most affected
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Prevention
The 24-Hour Rule for Tick Removal
Most ticks need to be attached for more than 24 hours to spread Lyme disease. A daily tick check after outdoor play is one of the most powerful prevention tools families have.
Guidance
Picking the Right Repellent for Kids
AAP says DEET up to 30% is safe for children over 2 months. Picaridin is another good option. Skip oil of lemon eucalyptus for kids under 3.
Awareness
World Asthma Day Spotlights Spring Triggers
May 5 marked World Asthma Day. Tree pollen plus warmer days can stress kids with asthma — a quick check-in on action plans and inhaler technique pays off this month.
Vaccines
AAP Keeps Routine Vaccine Schedule Intact
After this year's federal schedule overhaul, the AAP confirmed it is keeping its routine immunization recommendations unchanged. Families with questions should ask their pediatrician what schedule the practice follows.
Tips
A 60-Second After-Play Tick Check
Scan behind the ears, along the hairline, under arms, behind knees, and around the waistband. A warm shower within two hours of coming inside helps wash off unattached ticks.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
Expect a heavier-than-usual tick-bite volume in well visits and same-day slots through early summer, with the youngest kids overrepresented. Pre-stage fine-tipped tweezers and a one-page handout that covers proper removal, the 36-hour prophylaxis window for doxycycline, and what an erythema migrans rash actually looks like. A short proactive message to families in endemic areas — repellent guidance plus the after-play tick-check routine — can meaningfully reduce both anxiety calls and avoidable urgent visits.
Source: CDC Tick Bite Data Tracker and AAP guidance
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