CDC warns of spike in tick bites as ER visits rise nationwide – Atlanta News First

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A health alert from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drawing renewed attention to tick bites after the agency reported a spike in emergency room visits.
The CDC said this week it has recorded the highest number of visits for tick bites for this time of year in nearly a decade, with increases reported in nearly every region of the United States, including Georgia and the Southeast. The agency said the numbers are the highest for this point in the year since 2017.
“Spring and fall is when you get the — pardon the pun — uptick in tick bites,” said Dr. Anthony Ferrara, a physician and owner of Atlanta Urgent Care.
Ferrara said early treatment is important.
“It’s important to treat because if you don’t, it can lead to long-term consequences,” he said.
The CDC urges people to use EPA-registered insect repellent, treat clothing with permethrin and check themselves and their children for ticks.
On its website, the agency says anyone who finds an attached tick should remove it as soon as possible rather than waiting to seek care. Removing a tick within 24 hours can help prevent Lyme disease.
Alison Hinckley, an epidemiologist with the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, said in a statement: “Tick season is here and these tiny biters can make you seriously sick.”
She said people can reduce their risk by using repellent, wearing permethrin-treated clothing, checking for ticks and removing them quickly. Those who develop a rash or fever in the days or weeks after a bite should seek medical care.
Ferrara said ticks can attach in many places on the body.
“They can be anywhere — the scalp, ears, legs, arms, hips,” he said.
If someone finds a tick, Ferrara recommends taking a photo to show a doctor and removing it properly.
“Grab it and pull it straight out — not to the side,” he said. “Do not use heat, lighter fluid, alcohol or anything else. Then wash the area with soap and water.”
He said people should follow up with a doctor.
While Lyme disease is often a concern, Ferrara said it is not the most common tick-borne illness he treats in Georgia.
“Everybody hears about Lyme disease, but it’s not as common here,” he said. “The most common is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and symptoms include headache, joint pain, fever and rash.”
Ferrara also advised wearing long sleeves and pants when walking or hiking, calling it a first line of defense against ticks and the diseases they carry.
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