Virginia Tick-Related ER Visits Rise in 2026 as Experts Warn of a Big Tick Year
Updated
Updated · 29 News · Jun 26
Virginia Tick-Related ER Visits Rise in 2026 as Experts Warn of a Big Tick Year
3 articles · Updated · 29 News · Jun 26
Summary
Virginia saw tick-related emergency room visits climb early this spring and into summer versus prior years, according to UVA Health allergy and immunology specialist Jeffrey Wilson.
Wilson said the surge reflects a heavy tick season already flagged by an April CDC study, with anecdotal field reports in Virginia also pointing to unusually high tick activity.
Ticks can spread infections and trigger alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy linked to tick bites — while the highest risk runs through spring and summer and can extend into fall.
DEET on skin, permethrin on outdoor clothing, and end-of-day tick checks can cut the risk, Wilson said, because quick removal makes infection and alpha-gal less likely.
The Virginia trend follows a broader U.S. spike: CDC data showed spring 2026 ER visits for tick bites reached decade-high levels, with weekly rates hitting 118 per 100,000.