As outdoor activities increase with the arrival of warm weather, tick-related illnesses are on the rise. On July 31, 2025, singer and actor Justin Timberlake revealed that he is among the estimated 476,000 Americans diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. Timberlake described the illness, which is often transmitted through tick bites, as “relentlessly debilitating.” This announcement comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase in emergency room visits related to tick bites, marking the highest level in five years.
According to data from the CDC, emergency department visits for tick bites have surged in 2025. As of July 6, the number of visits had already surpassed nearly a decade’s worth of July records, with a notable rate of 92 visits per 100,000 individuals nationwide. Vulnerable populations, particularly children aged 0 to 9 and adults over 70, accounted for a significant portion of these cases.
Factors Contributing to Increased Tick Populations
Experts attribute the alarming spike in tick bites to several interconnected factors, with climate change being a key contributor. Mandy Roome, associate director at the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center, explained that rising temperatures allow ticks to expand their habitats further north than previously possible. “Ticks can now move further north than they could before and establish populations,” Roome stated.
She further noted that milder winters contribute to longer periods of tick activity. Deer ticks, for instance, can remain active whenever temperatures exceed 39 degrees Fahrenheit. “Going back maybe 15 or 20 years ago, there wasn’t much of an issue. Ticks were still around, but it wasn’t quite the problem that it is now,” Roome added.
Land use changes also impact tick populations. Increased construction can create new environments for animals like mice, which serve as hosts for ticks. Cassandra Pierre, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasized that expanding deer and mouse populations lead to a corresponding rise in ticks. “And longer warmer weather also allows for there to be more exposure to ticks, because people are out more,” she explained.
The Dangers of Tick Bites and Prevention Strategies
Tick bites are concerning due to their potential to transmit various diseases to humans and animals. Lyme disease is commonly contracted when an individual is bitten by a tick carrying Borrelia bacteria. The CDC also highlights that ticks can transmit multiple other pathogens, making awareness and prevention vital.
As the tick season reaches its peak, particularly from April through September, individuals are encouraged to take precautions when in areas where ticks are prevalent, such as parks and campsites. Staying vigilant, wearing appropriate clothing, and using repellents can help mitigate the risk of tick bites.
With the increase in tick-related illnesses, the experiences shared by public figures like Justin Timberlake can raise awareness and encourage proactive health measures. As the summer unfolds, it becomes increasingly important to remain informed about the risks associated with ticks and to take necessary steps to protect against them.
