BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Emergency room visits for tick bites are rising across the country, according to the CDC, as summer approaches and more people head outdoors.
A CDC report from April says that in all regions except the South Central United States, weekly rates of ER visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017.
In Kern County, public health officials say ticks can be found across California, particularly in certain outdoor environments.
“Ticks are little bugs that live out in the community. There are ticks throughout the state of California. They typically live in sort of these grassy wooded areas,” said Kim Hernandez, division director of health services at the Kern County Public Health Department.
CDC reports rise in ER visits for tick bites as summer nears in Kern County (KBAK/KBFX)
Hernandez said ticks can transmit multiple illnesses.
“Ticks can spread a number of diseases. The most well known one is Limes disease. So a lot of people have heard of it but there is also a number of spotted fevers that have a variety of names like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and things like that that are transmitted by ticks,” Hernandez said.
To help prevent tick bites, Hernandez recommended using repellents and treating clothing and gear with products designed to keep ticks away.
“It’s important to consider treating your clothing and your gear with products that will repel ticks so those typical types of bug spray. So check to make sure ticks are on that list if things its going to repel,” she said.
CDC reports rise in ER visits for tick bites as summer nears in Kern County (KBAK/KBFX)(File/WWMT)
She also emphasized washing clothing and gear in hot water.
“If you wash it on a cold cycle that’s not going to kill a tick,” Hernandez said.
On local trails, some hikers say they take precautions before heading out.
Bakersfield resident Will Hutchison said he relies on insect repellent and protective clothing.
CDC reports rise in ER visits for tick bites as summer nears in Kern County (KBAK/KBFX)
“I make sure I’m wearing insect repellent, at least on my hands and the arms and the back of my neck. And long pants and long sleeves usually,” Hutchison said.