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Emergency rooms across the U.S. have seen near-record-high tick bite cases this year
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According to new data from the CDC, while July's cases are down from numbers in May through June
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this month has already seen the highest number of ER visits due to tick bites since at least 2017
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The Northeast has seen the highest number of cases, with data showing kids under 10
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and adults over 70 are most likely to be hospitalized from a bite
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The Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, shows the risk of a tick bite is a 9 out of 10 on its scale, signaling a very high threat
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Early spring is typically the peak of tick activity, but July's unusually high numbers have kept infectious disease experts busy, warning of the dangers posed by these tiny arachnids
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The CDC says tick bites can lead to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
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Symptoms of these are similar with fatigue, headache, fever and chills. The agency says to prevent getting bit, avoid heavily wooded areas and long grass as well as leaf litter
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If you are in these areas, the CDC advises wearing an EPA registered bug repellent and treating clothes and gear with permethrin
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When using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first, then the repellent. Health professionals also urge people to check each other for ticks on the body and in the hair
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They also say to be on the lookout for distinctive rashes, which can be a sign of a tick-borne illness
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For more on this story, download the Straight Hour News app or visit san.com. For Straight Hour News, I'm Kaylee Carey
