safety
Tick-related emergency room visits are surging in this state
By Gabby Womack, Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
While the surge in tick-related emergency room visits is being reported in Virginia, Nashville residents should also be on high alert as the city's warm and humid climate creates an ideal environment for ticks to thrive. The peak tick season, which typically occurs during spring and summer months, extends into fall, increasing the risk of tick-borne infections and alpha-gal syndrome. As outdoor activities such as hiking and gardening are popular in Nashville, residents who frequent wooded and grassy areas should take precautions to prevent tick bites. Using repellents and treating outdoor clothing with permethrin can help deter ticks. Daily tick checks are also crucial in preventing the transmission of tick-borne illnesses. Given the similarity in climate and outdoor recreational opportunities between Virginia and Nashville, it is likely that Music City may experience a similar uptick in tick-related emergency room visits, making it essential for residents to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabby Womack, Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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