safety
Tick-related emergency room visits are surging in this state
By Gabby Womack, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 27, 2026
· 2 min read
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR/Gray News) - Healthcare workers in Virginia say ticks are making their presence known across the state.According to UVA Health, there has been an increased number of tick-related emergency room visits that have continued into the summer months after starting early this ...
Key takeaway Jeffrey Wilson, an associate professor in allergy and immunology at UVA Health, said ticks can cause problems in multiple ways.
Why this matters in The Laredo
In Laredo , residents who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or gardening should be aware of the potential risks associated with tick bites. Although the surge in tick-related emergency room visits is being reported in Virginia, the same precautions can be applied locally. Using repellents and treating outdoor clothing with permethrin can help prevent tick bites. Daily tick checks are also crucial in identifying and removing ticks before they can cause harm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's warning of a significant tick year should prompt Laredo residents to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months when tick season peaks. By taking these preventive measures, Laredo residents can reduce their risk of contracting tick-borne infections or developing conditions like alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy linked to tick bites.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR/Gray News) - Healthcare workers in Virginia say ticks are making their presence known across the state.According to UVA Health, there has been an increased number of tick-related emergency room visits that have continued into the summer months after starting early this ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabby Womack, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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