Health officials are raising concerns as new data shows tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ER visits for tick bites are well above normal levels and are the highest for this time of year since at least 2017.

In fact, recent data shows about 71 out of every 100,000 ER visits were related to tick bites — more than double the typical average.

Experts say the spike is likely due to a combination of factors, including warmer weather, earlier spring conditions, and increasing tick populations.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance — they can carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a red meat allergy.

Health officials are urging people to take precautions as tick season ramps up, especially when spending time outdoors. Recommended steps include:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
• Performing thorough tick checks after being outside
• Removing ticks as quickly as possible

The CDC says removing a tick within 24 hours can significantly reduce the risk of disease.

With warmer months ahead, experts warn the numbers could continue to climb, making prevention and awareness key.