Illinois and Iowa are experiencing their worst tick activity in almost 10 years, with emergency department visits for tick bites reaching near-record levels in April, according to a June 2 report.
In Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio combined, there were 137 emergency department visits per 100,000 people related to tick bites last month. This figure is just below the region’s one-month incident rate record of 153 per 100,000 set last May. The current rate is also significantly higher than the regional average of 56 per 100,000 for April.
The increase in tick-related medical visits highlights an ongoing public health concern as warmer months approach. Residents are advised to take precautions when spending time outdoors during peak tick season.
Swanson, a Republican who was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 representing the state’s 71st House District and replacing Donald L. Moffitt as state representative, according to Representative Swanson’s office, has previously discussed issues affecting public health and safety within his district.
Health officials continue to monitor trends closely as the region enters another summer with elevated risks from ticks.
