Discover how tick bites can be more dangerous than you think—and when to seek emergency care.
In recent years, warmer weather has extended well beyond traditional seasonal patterns. As a result, outdoor activities now continue into months that were once cooler and less active. This combination of shifting climate and increased time spent outdoors has led to a longer, more active tick season—raising the risk of bites and, in some cases, emergency room visits.
Typically, emergency rooms see a spike in tick-related visits during May and June as temperatures begin to rise and more time is spent outdoors. However, in 2025, July recorded the highest number of tick bite-related ER visits in the past eight Julys and the highest of any month this year. The continued warmth and humidity have prevented cold weather from killing off tick populations as effectively as in the past, increasing the risk of exposure well into the summer.
Unlike common bug bites, tick bites can carry serious health risks and may require immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms of illness begin to appear.
Why Tick Bites are Serious
Unlike typical insect bites, tick bites can transmit serious diseases and cause a range of illnesses. While some bites may be harmless and easily treated at home, a tick that remains attached for more than 24 hours can significantly increase the risk of infection. It’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness
Tick-borne diseases can take days or even weeks to show symptoms, and some can be serious or even life-threatening. It is important to watch for signs of infection, such as:
- Fever and chills
- Body aches or joint pain
- Skin rash
Different species of ticks carry different diseases. Lyme disease is the most common, affecting almost 500,000 people annually in the U.S. The disease is often identified by a bull’s-eye rash and is caused by a bacterial infection. Other serious tick-borne diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the Heartland virus.
If left untreated, these diseases can significantly impact your daily life and sometimes permanently. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms after a tick bite, seek immediate medical care to prevent complications.
We’re Here When You Need Us
To help prevent tick bites, it is recommended to use insect repellent and wear long pants and sleeves, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Even with precautions, contact with ticks can still happen and when it does, we’re here to help.
Oklahoma ER & Hospital is open 24/7, providing fast, compassionate care for our community—day or night. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and are unsure of the next steps, our experienced team can assist with safe removal, evaluate for possible infection, and treat any related symptoms. We’re committed to helping you and your loved ones feel better, quickly and safely, so you can get back to everyday life activities.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Oklahoma ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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