Sunday, May 10, 2026
CDC data show the busiest start to tick-bite ER visits in nearly a decade, with young children most affected
Weekly ER visits for tick bites are higher than they have been at this point in the year since 2017, and kids ages 0–9 are leading the numbers.
The good news: a few small habits — repellent, light clothing, and a careful tick check after outdoor play — prevent most problems.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly and call your pediatrician with any questions.
After outdoor play, scan behind ears, along the hairline, in the belly button, behind knees, and around the waistband. A warm bath within two hours helps spot ticks early.
EPA-registered products with DEET (up to 30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (age 3+) are safe when used as directed. Permethrin treats clothing and shoes — never skin.
Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to the skin, and pull straight up with steady pressure. Skip the matches and petroleum jelly — they don’t help and can make things worse.
Pediatricians are weaving short emotional check-ins into well visits. A simple “how have you been feeling lately?” opens the door for kids and teens to share.
Mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium) is a great pick for sensitive skin. For babies under 6 months, shade and lightweight long sleeves come first, with sunscreen on small exposed areas.
With ER tick-bite visits at their highest May level since 2017 and pediatric patients leading the trend, consider a brief seasonal outreach to families: repellent guidance, a one-page tick-check checklist, and clear instructions for when to call. Reviewing your prophylaxis protocol for high-risk exposures — and confirming front-desk staff can triage calls about attached ticks within the 72-hour window — keeps families out of the ED and shortens time to appropriate care.
Source: CDC 2026 tick surveillance data and AAP Red Book guidance
