2026 US Tick Season Worsens

The 2026 tick season is projected to be one of the worst on record, with the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting significantly higher weekly tick-bite emergency room visits across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Factors contributing to this include milder winters, earlier and longer warm weather, and the 'acorn effect' leading to increased wildlife hosts for ticks. United States — New York (state) has seen a substantial rise in Lyme disease cases and tick submissions to labs. Experts like Alison Hinckley, Frederick Go, and Kathryn Reif are warning the public about the expanding geographic range of tick-borne diseases such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, which can cause severe health issues if untreated. Prevention measures, including repellents, protective clothing, and thorough body checks, are strongly advised by health officials.