CDC Data Shows Higher-Than-Average Tick Bites in Most U.S. Regions for Late April 2026

U.S. regions except the south-central United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. This represents the highest reported tick bites for this time of year since 2017 in most regions.

The CDC issued an early advisory this week, urging the public to take precautions against ticks. Tick bites typically spike in May, driven by the emergence of nymphs and increased outdoor activities. S.

Hospital emergency departments contribute data to the CDC's surveillance system, though it does not include cases where people did not seek hospital care. Ticks are small, eight-legged bloodsucking parasites classified as arachnids, not insects. Some carry germs that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, which triggers a red meat allergy.

The CDC estimates 476,000 people receive treatment for Lyme disease annually, with infections commonly addressed through antibiotics. In the Northeast, most ticks observed so far in 2026 have been large adult ticks. Lyme disease derives its name from a town in Connecticut.

Earlier in April 2026, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported residents submitting an average of 30 ticks per day for testing. Connecticut state officials noted that 40% of those submitted ticks tested positive for the bacteria causing Lyme disease. Unusually high mouse populations over the last two years have aided tick population expansion.

A wildlife biologist noted that tick populations may expand further based on current trends, while recommending ongoing monitoring.

The CDC's tracking highlights the national scope, excluding only the south-central region from the elevated rates.