Hot off the press: Top-tier media swarms on tick-borne disease this tick season
Following Lyme Disease Awareness Month this past May–which coincides with the start of tick season–mainstream media coverage has surged in an unprecedented way, and that coverage is only continuing into late summer. While this increased attention is valuable for raising awareness, the driving force behind it is far more concerning. Historically, tick season lasted from May through August, trickled down in the fall, and died down almost completely in the winter. Due to a number of environmental factors, many of which stem from climate change, ticks are expanding geographically and sticking around longer, causing experts to wonder if “tick season” is a thing of the past and instead a year-round epidemic. Scientists say that while in the past the last tick bites of the year were typically reported in October, more recent years have seen a surge in bites through December. Tick numbers are reportedly 30-40% higher than this time last year, and there are reports of bites in brand new areas each year. Ticks climbing up office walls in Hudson, NY, and a popular beach closing for an entire season in Bridgeport, CT, are just a couple examples of the jarring news picked up by the media in recent months.
Check out the press blitz in the articles linked below. We’ve included a TLDR (too long, didn’t read) for each – we’re certainly not complaining about too much information or coverage, but summarizing for you in case the brain fog creeps in… And while the press loves a doomsday, we don’t. No need to worry: we’ve also included a CTA (call to action) so you’re empowered to act.
NPR – Tick Risks Vary by Region. Here's Where Diseases Have Spread And How To Stay Safe.
TLDR: Tick‑borne diseases are increasingly widespread—especially Lyme disease in the Northeast/mid‑Atlantic/Upper Midwest, ehrlichiosis and STARI in the South, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as anaplasmosis in the West—highlighting that climatic shifts and ecological changes are driving the expansion of both tick populations and novel pathogens across the U.S.
CTA: Individuals need to adopt proactive measures to prevent tick bites, such as using EPA-approved repellents, wearing protective clothing, and conducting thorough tick checks, especially in regions where tick-borne diseases are emerging or on the rise – don’t fret, just focus on prevention (blog).
Time: 7 Surprising Symptoms of Lyme Disease
TLDR: Lyme disease can progress from early flu-like illness to chronic complications—especially if not treated promptly—including heart issues (like Lyme carditis), neurological effects (such as brain fog, memory loss, and Bell’s palsy), vision and hearing disturbances, debilitating fatigue, and arthritis in children.
CTA: Remain vigilant about Lyme disease symptoms, especially during tick season, and seek prompt medical attention if unusual or persistent symptoms arise, as early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term issues – here’s how to advocate for yourself and accurate testing, as common tests are inaccurate (blog).
New York Times: The Tick Situation Is Getting Worse. Here’s How To Protect Yourself.
TLDR: Climate change—through warmer springs, milder winters, and shifting land use—is extending the active season and expanding the geographic range of disease‑carrying ticks across the U.S., significantly increasing tick‑borne disease risks in new regions.
CTA: There’s an urgent need for public awareness and proactive measures to combat the escalating risk of tick-borne diseases, especially as climate change influences tick behavior and trends – have conversations and pass information to protect your loved ones (blog)!
Wall Street Journal: Ticks Are Really Bad This Summer. Here’s What To Do About Them.
TLDR: Summer 2025 is seeing a surge in tick activity—particularly blacklegged (deer), Lone Star, and American dog ticks—with emergency-department visits at their highest since 2019 and populations up 30–40% year-over-year, fueled by milder winters and wetter springs.
CTA: Experts stress that prompt tick removal, use of DEET or permethrin repellents, protective clothing, and rigorous body and pet checks are essential to reduce disease risk (blog).
Wall Street Journal: Chronic Lyme Disease Was Once Dismissed. More Doctors Are Coming Around.
TLDR: Chronic Lyme disease, once dismissed by the medical community, is gaining recognition due to new research and parallels drawn with long COVID, leading to increased investigation and hope for patients suffering from persistent symptoms.
CTA: The medical community must recognize and invest more research into chronic Lyme disease, improving diagnosis, treatment options, and support for patients experiencing long-lasting symptoms similar to long COVID – this is where your advocacy can help!
Pleasure Beach, a beloved public shoreline in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been closed through the entire 2025 summer season due to an invasive tick infestation—including the Asian longhorned tick—alongside increased wildlife presence and nesting by protected birds, prompting health and conservation concerns.
CTA: It’s not just the woods or grasses – be wary of less historically prevalent environments – for Pleasure Beach specifically, follow city updates and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats during the restoration and monitoring efforts, and follow preventative measures all tick season (blog).
NYC Faces ‘Extremely High’ Tick Exposure Threat, Researchers Warn
TLDR: New York City has entered the "red zone" in 2025 with an extremely high risk of tick exposure, due to elevated activity of both nymph and adult blacklegged (deer) ticks—especially the tiny, hard‑to‑spot nymphs that are responsible for most Lyme disease cases.
CTA: While urban areas like NYC are often not perceived as tick‑ridden, there’s mounting evidence of tick presence and risk across city parks – participate in prevention efforts at all times, regardless of historical risk perception (blog).
As the above made clear, tick-borne diseases are no longer a seasonal nuisance—they’re an escalating public health emergency. Climate change, expanding tick ranges, and a lack of early diagnosis are fueling a perfect storm of risk, and the consequences—from debilitating symptoms to life-threatening complications—are becoming harder to ignore. Awareness is only the first step. Now is the time to act: check yourself and your loved ones after time outdoors, advocate for safer public spaces, improved testing and research funding, and reliable information in your communities. The threat is growing—but so is our ability to combat, if we stay vigilant and push for change.
