05/19/2026
Tick Season Is Here — And It’s Starting Early
Emergency room visits for tick bites are already rising, with cases hitting their highest levels since 2017. Over the past two decades, reported tick-borne illnesses have more than doubled—making prevention more important than ever.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family:
✔ Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
✔ Use EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
✔ Treat clothing with permethrin when spending time outdoors
✔ Check for ticks after being outside—especially scalp, behind ears, waistband, underarms, and behind knees
✔ Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors
After a Tick Bite:
Watch for symptoms 3–14 days later, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or a rash (including a bullseye pattern). Early removal is key—most diseases require 24–48 hours of attachment to transmit.
If you have concerns after a tick bite, contact your FMC provider.
Stay aware, stay protected, and enjoy the outdoors safely this season.