A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek that "the number of babesiosis cases reported each year has increased over time."

Doctors stress importance of tick prevention as CDC reports sharp increase in related emergency room visits in 2025.

The CDC says this is one of the worst tick seasons in recent years, with more than 229 out of every 100,000 ER visits involving tick bites — up from 167 patients last year — increasing the potential for victims to acquire Lyme disease.