Forbes: The Rising Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases in America
Emergency room visits for tick-borne diseases are at their highest levels in a decade, and the threat is only growing. A practicing physician breaks down the three illnesses Americans need to know about: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Alpha-gal syndrome, covering their causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as why warmer temperatures and suburban expansion are pushing tick populations into new territories. Read the full Forbes report here.
HHS Develops A Plan To Tackle Lyme Disease
In a major step forward for Lyme disease patients, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a series of federal initiatives, including a multi-million dollar tick control pilot program, up to $2.5 million in innovation challenge funding, new research into Alpha-gal syndrome, and a public-private partnership to help patients connect with experienced providers. The announcement also reaffirmed a national goal of reducing Lyme disease cases by 25% by 2035.
A rare strain of Lyme disease-causing bacteria known as Borrelia mayonii, previously only found in Wisconsin and Minnesota, has now been detected in New York State. A resident in Herkimer County tested positive in 2025, with multiple ticks collected from the property also testing positive. While the overall percentage of infected ticks remains low, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of continued tick surveillance as the blacklegged tick’s range continues to expand across the country.
5 Tick-Infested Areas In Washington
From the dry pine forests around Spokane to the remote wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State has no shortage of tick-prone landscapes. World Atlas breaks down the five highest-risk areas, the tick species most commonly found there, and the diseases they can carry, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and tularemia. If you’re hiking, camping, or riding this spring or summer, knowing where to be extra vigilant could make all the difference.
The 2026 tick season is shaping up to be one of the worst in recent memory, with ER visits for tick bites hitting their highest April levels since 2017 nationwide. Scientists warn the trend is unlikely to reverse, a Lyme vaccine isn’t ready yet, and your best protection for now is prevention: bug spray, permethrin-treated clothing, and thorough tick checks after going outdoors.
According to TickReport’s April 2026 Tick Forecast, tick activity is elevated across the entire country this spring, with much of the U.S. at moderate-high levels and several western states, including California, Washington, and Colorado, rated high risk. Four species to watch out for include the western black-legged tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, and black-legged deer tick.
TIME MAGAZINE: It’s Going to Be a Bad Tick Season. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.
Experts are warning of a particularly active tick season this year, so staying protected outdoors is more important than ever. This TIME article breaks down what’s driving the surge and shares practical tips to help prevent Lyme disease.