Ticks on the Rise: Why You Should Check Your Body After a Hike

The number of people rushing to emergency rooms because of tick bites has climbed higher than it’s been in any year since 2017. The spike is most noticeable in the Northeast and Midwest, where warmer weather has let ticks thrive. Around 476, 000 Americans receive treatment for Lyme disease each year, making it the leading illness spread by ticks. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that lives inside certain ticks. The blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, is the main carrier in the United States. Its tiny size and subtle bite often mean people do not notice they have been bitten, so many cases go unreported until symptoms appear. Climate change and milder winters allow ticks to survive longer and spread into new areas. About 90 percent of cases are reported in just fourteen states, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In some regions less than one percent of ticks carry the bacteria, while in others up to half are infected.The good news is that prevention is simple. After any outdoor activity, remove your clothing and look for ticks on shoes, backpacks, and outer layers. Shower as soon as you return home to wash away unattached ticks and reveal any that may have attached. Use a mirror to check hidden spots such as the hairline, behind the ears, underarms, groin, behind the knees, between toes, and around the belly button. Ticks favor warm, dark, moist areas on the body. Early detection is key. If you find a tick, use tweezers to pull it straight out and keep the bite site clean. If you develop a rash, fever, or joint pain within a few weeks, seek medical care promptly. By staying alert and checking yourself regularly, you can reduce the risk of Lyme disease even as tick populations grow.