As we observe Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May, the Amherst Board of Health (BOH) wants to alert the community to a sobering trend. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s latest surveillance data, the 2026 tick population is soaring, and emergency room (ER) visits for tick bites are exceptionally high. Year-to-date, Hampshire County has already recorded 42 ER visits for tick bites, a threefold increase from the 14 visits reported during the same period in 2025.
This surge in tick population is suspected to be fueled by our overall warmer winters, with this past winter potentially encouraging survival due to the insulating effect of the steady snow cover we experienced. Anecdotally, many of us have witnessed a tick explosion along some of Amherst’s recreation trails. For instance, one South Amherst Board of Health member encountered dozens of ticks while walking the grassy portion of the KC trail that straddles the high-voltage transmission lines.
Almost 90% of tick-borne disease cases are carried by black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks. Ironically, these ticks are spread more by mice than by deer. Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis complex (LBC), is caused by the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Other diseases carried by the black-legged tick include anaplasmosis, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which are all on the rise. These tick-borne illnesses can cause fever and/or flu-like symptoms and are treatable with appropriate antibiotics. Notably, as of last month, alpha-gal syndrome — the tick-borne red meat allergy — is now a reportable condition in Massachusetts, signaling the northward migration of the lone star tick into our backyards, a trend that may also be attributed to climate change.
It is crucial to recognize that Lyme disease is a complex illness that often defies the “classic” symptoms many expect. While many look for a bullseye rash, it does not appear in all cases. If early Lyme disease goes undetected or untreated, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. Patients may face debilitating neurological issues like facial palsy and cognitive “brain fog,” severe migratory joint pain, or dangerous heart arrhythmias known as Lyme carditis. Recent research highlights how these bacteria use protective protein “armor” to evade the immune system, making early detection and treatment vital.
Living in the Valley means sharing space with these arachnids, but we aren’t defenseless. Daily tick checks remain our most effective weapon; removing a tick within 24 to 48 hours significantly reduces the risk of infection. If a tick is engorged or has been embedded for more than 24 hours, it is a good idea to contact your medical provider as treatment may be indicated.
As we enjoy our local trails this May, let’s prioritize prevention. Use repellents on skin, treat your gear with permethrin, deploy tick-control tubes if you have concerns in your yard, and stay vigilant. Awareness is the first step in keeping our community healthy. See the Amherst Public Health Department website for additional information.
Risha Hess, chairperson, Betsy Brooks, Ileana Carrion, Jack Jemsek, and Premila Nair serve on the Amherst Board of Health.