Tick-related emergency room visits are at the highest since 2019, CDC data shows. The Northeast region has seen the most this summer.

Emergency rooms across the country are seeing a spike in tick bite cases, according to new data from the CDC. July is already at the highest number of tick-related ER visits since 2017 - with children and the elderly facing the highest risk.

Unlike other food allergies that occur within minutes after ingestion, like peanut or wheat, symptoms from eating red meat such as beef, pork, lamb, or venison, can occur three to eight hours after eating. According to the CDC, it can take up to seven years to be diagnosed due to the complicated nature of the disease.

According to a recent Washington University study, one in seven adults in the St. Louis area reported finding a tick on themselves or a loved one in the past year. But for Skip Kernan, 65, it wasn’t a hike in the woods that led to a medical emergency.

There are about 30 different species of ticks in Colorado, with tick activity peaking in spring and early summer,

Even jellyfish washed up on shore can sting, sometimes for days. If stung, rinse the area with seawater (not fresh water), or soak in warm water. Avoid rubbing or using urine – yes, that scene in Friends is not medically sound. Peeing on a jellyfish sting can make things worse by triggering more venom release from stuck tentacles.

It is more common for ticks to live in fields or wooded areas with tall grass, so if you are going to these higher-risk areas, be prepared. "We start with clothing, making sure the clothing is tucked in, good fitting socks, pants, long pants, long sleeve shirts, and then repellent is very effective," Bazzoli said.