The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a surge in tick bites and related illnesses, with emergency room visits reaching their highest rate in nearly a decade. According to CDC data, 34 per 100,000 emergency room visits were due to tick bites in March, the highest March rate on record since 2017. The trend is particularly pronounced in the Northeast and Midwest, where cases have spiked significantly.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The CDC reported that 85 out of every 100,000 emergency room visits during the third week of April were related to tick bites, marking the highest rate since 2017. Tick-borne illnesses account for half a million new cases annually, with Lyme disease being one of the most prevalent. In New Jersey, reported cases of tick-borne illnesses more than doubled from 3,110 in 2020 to 7,865 in 2025, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. As of April 16, the state had already recorded 1,279 cases and 169 emergency room visits, a 27% increase from the same period last year.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Regional Hotspots and Tick Species
The surge in cases is concentrated in regions where specific tick species thrive. In New Jersey, four tick species are most likely to bite humans: the blacklegged (deer) tick, lone star tick, Asian longhorned tick, and American dog tick. The blacklegged tick is particularly concerning as it is the only species known to transmit Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system. New Jersey had the fourth-highest Lyme disease case rate in the U.S. in 2023.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome and Fatalities
The lone star tick is associated with alpha-gal syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening meat allergy. In 2024, a 47-year-old New Jersey man became the first confirmed fatality from alpha-gal syndrome following a tick bite. Cases of alpha-gal syndrome have also been reported after bites from blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks.
Public Health Response
The CDC has emphasized the importance of preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks. Health officials are also urging increased vigilance in regions with high tick populations, particularly as warmer weather extends tick activity periods.
Long-Term Implications
The rise in tick-borne illnesses underscores the need for better surveillance, public education, and research into tick-borne diseases. Experts warn that climate change may further exacerbate the problem by expanding the habitats of tick species and prolonging their active seasons.