Tick bites surge nationally as experts warn of Lyme disease risk heading into summer

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]The CDC estimates that just under half a million Americans are treated and diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.

[00:00:06]Just one potential danger of tick bites.

[00:00:09]Hitting the trails for a hike, a popular pastime in North Carolina. Now, experts want to make sure you're doing so safely.

[00:00:16]>> Really anywhere there is woods in large park and anywhere people are going to recreate into those woods hiking, you know, bird watching, camping, whatever your your thing is.

[00:00:29]Um that's probably where we see the most risk.

[00:00:31]>> Michael Reiskind is a professor of entomology at NC State. He says those heading west this summer should pay particular attention.

[00:00:38]>> What we're seeing up in the mountains is the emergence of Lyme disease and the tick that transmits it is becoming more and more common up there. If you have suffered a bite, monitor your symptoms.

[00:00:49]>> So, if you develop within 30 days of having a tick bite, flu-like symptoms, like fever, body aches, headaches, feeling really tired, that's indicating a possible um tick-borne illness. According to the CDC, so far this year the overwhelming majority of emergency department visits for tick bites have been in the Northeast and Midwest, followed by the Southeast, West, and South Central. Try to use permethrin-treated clothing, like permethrin-treated socks and pants.

[00:01:22]Um tucking pant legs into socks can create a physical barrier for ticks.

[00:01:28]When you're out, staying in the middle of the trail, trying not to not get against grasses is key. And then, when you come back from the outdoors, really just taking a shower can be very helpful. Dr. Sarah McGill, a professor with the UNT School of Medicine, did add a one important note. She said, if the tick that bites you is engorged or very full of blood, and maybe a black-legged tick, you are encouraged to contact your provider within 3 days to discuss possible options in an effort to prevent Lyme disease. I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11 Eyewitness News.