LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There's been an uptick in tick bites this summer across the United States, so doctors are encouraging precautions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports emergency room visits related to tick bites have surged in 2025, reaching their highest point nationwide since 2019. Urgent care and other clinics have also noticed an increase.
Local medical professionals said they have treated several patients for tick bites this summer. People are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and protect themselves.
"If you're in tall grass, there's a bunch of leaves, you're out in the woods, trees, things like that, you want to wear DEET, long sleeves, long pants, tuck your pants in," said Tara Kestler, a nurse practitioner with Norton Healthcare. "Do tick checks after you come in from being outdoors, just do a full body check."
Most tick bites do not require an ER Visit. If someone is bitten, they should remove the tick with a tweezer and pull straight up. People who have a fever, chills or aches should go to immediate care.
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