Health officials are providing updated guidance on tick removal as tick bites in the U.S. reach a nine-year high [1].
Proper removal is critical to prevent the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease, and to reduce the burden on emergency medical services. With tick season starting early in 2026, the risk of infection increases for those spending time outdoors in affected regions.
Dr. Robert McDermit, Island Health's resident medical health officer, said how to safely handle a bite [2]. McDermit said individuals can remove a tick themselves if the parasite has been attached for only a few hours [2]. However, medical attention is necessary if the tick has been attached longer, or if the head of the tick is not visible after removal [2].
The surge in tick activity is not limited to Canada. In the United States, emergency-room visits for tick bites have reached the highest level in nearly a decade [3]. This trend is particularly evident in states like Mississippi, where bites are driving a spike in hospital visits [4].
Medical experts said that the timing of removal is the primary factor in determining whether a patient needs professional care. Removing the tick quickly reduces the window for pathogens to enter the bloodstream. When the head remains embedded in the skin, it can lead to secondary infections, or complications that require clinical intervention [2].
Public health agencies said that residents of Vancouver Island and other North American regions should remain vigilant during this early season. Using repellent and performing thorough body checks after hiking or gardening can prevent infestations before they require medical treatment [2].
“Tick bites in the U.S. reach a nine-year high”
The combination of an early tick season and a decade-high peak in ER visits suggests a growing public health challenge. As tick populations expand or become more active due to environmental changes, the reliance on self-care for initial removal becomes a critical strategy to prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed by preventable disease transmissions.
