Health Experts Warn: Surge in Emergency Room Visits for Tick Bites – What You Need to Know

Tick Season Alert: What You Need to Know

This summer, the Virginia Department of Health has noted a significant spike in visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers due to tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. Dr. Eleanor Labgold, the state public health entomologist, has observed over 9,100 related visits this year, which is higher than averages from the past three years.

Dr. Labgold explains that tick populations can vary. Some years are worse than others, and factors like climate changes might play a role. Increased awareness about ticks and their dangers may have also contributed to more people seeking medical attention. “We’ve been urging everyone to be vigilant and aware of ticks,” she said.

As the summer progresses, here are some practical tips for avoiding tick bites.

1. Dress Smart: Wear light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks easily. Tuck your pants into your socks if you’re going into thick brush.

2. Use Repellant: Apply EPA-registered insecticides like DEET or permethrin. They can help keep ticks away.

3. Check for Ticks: After being outdoors, perform a full-body check for ticks, especially in warm and hidden areas like underarms, behind ears, and around the waist.

If you find a tick, don’t panic. Try to remove it quickly with tweezers or a tick removal tool. Make sure to pull it straight out without twisting. Mark the date of the tick bite on your calendar. This can help you monitor any potential symptoms later on.

If you experience unusual symptoms after a tick bite, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Dr. Labgold also suggests sending any ticks you find to the Virginia Department of Health for identification and testing.

Understanding the current tick population trends is vital. A recent study from the CDC shows that cases of Lyme disease, one of the more well-known tick-borne illnesses, have nearly doubled over the past two decades. In states like Virginia, this season’s increase in tick incidents is concerning, highlighting the need for public education and effective prevention methods.

For more information on tick identification and to contribute to ongoing research, you can participate in their survey here.

Stay safe out there and take steps to protect yourself during this tick season!

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