Saturday, May 16, 2026
A warm, early season means more ticks — but a few simple habits prevent most bites.
The CDC reports that emergency-room visits for tick bites in April were more than 25% higher than the same month last year, and May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
The good news for families: EPA-registered repellent, light-colored clothing, and a quick head-to-toe tick check after outdoor play prevent the vast majority of bites — and removing an attached tick within 24 hours dramatically lowers the risk of Lyme disease.
Use fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up with steady pressure, then clean the area with soap and water. Skip the matches and petroleum jelly.
The CDC has confirmed nearly 1,900 cases this year across 40 jurisdictions, with about 72% in children and teens. The MMR vaccine remains the best protection.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. The AAP recommends layered protection: four-sided pool fencing, eyes-on supervision, swim lessons, and life jackets on boats.
The updated schedule keeps routine recommendations intact and adds new RSV and meningococcal options. Your pediatrician can walk you through what's new for your child's age.
With tick-bite ER visits running well above last spring, consider adding a brief tick-prevention prompt to every well visit through June, especially in endemic regions. A printed tick-removal card in the after-visit summary, plus a quick conversation about repellent choices by age, takes under a minute and meaningfully reduces follow-up calls and urgent visits.
Source: CDC 2026 tick-bite surveillance; AAP Lyme prevention guidance
