Tick-Related Hospital Visits Are on the Rise in Maryland — Here’s What You Need to Know
Tick bites aren’t just a nuisance — they’re sending more Maryland residents to the hospital than we’ve seen in years. Across the Northeast, including Maryland, emergency room visits for tick bites have hit their highest levels since 2019.
The Numbers: How Big Is the Surge?
In May 2025, tick-bite ER visits in the Northeast peaked at 283 per 100,000 visits — the highest since 2019. June 2025 wasn’t far behind at 229 per 100,000, up from 167 in June 2024. So far this year, there have already been 928 tick-bite ER visits per 100,000, nearly matching the total for all of 2024.
Why the Spike?
Record-High Tick Populations
Mild winters and wetter conditions have helped ticks survive longer and reproduce more.
Climate Change
Warmer weather is expanding tick season and range — and new species like the lone star tick are now being found in Maryland.
More Deer and Rodents
Growing wildlife populations are acting as highways for ticks to move into new areas.
Increased Awareness
More people are heading to the ER after a tick bite as a precaution, which raises reported numbers.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Children under 10 years old and adults over 70 years old have the highest ER visit rates. Both groups are more likely to have increased exposure and complications from tick-borne illnesses.
Diseases to Watch For
While Lyme disease is the most common, ticks in Maryland can also transmit babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome — a condition that can cause a red-meat allergy.
How to Protect Yourself
Dress for Defense
Wear long sleeves and pants, preferably light-colored so ticks are easier to spot. Tuck pants into socks or boots.
Use Repellents
Apply DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, and treat clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection.
Stay on Trails
Avoid walking through tall grass, brush, or leaf litter.
Check for Ticks Promptly
Shower within two hours of being outdoors. Check your scalp, hairline, behind the ears, underarms, waistline, groin, behind knees, and don’t forget your pets.
Remove Ticks the Right Way
Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick close to the skin, and pull straight up without twisting. Clean the bite area with soap and water.
When to Seek Medical Care
See a doctor right away if you notice a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Bottom Line: Tick-related ER visits are climbing fast in Maryland. Environmental changes, expanding tick populations, and increased awareness are all driving the surge. Prevention — from protective clothing and repellents to regular tick checks — is your best defense.
