Camden County health officials say they typically see a spike in ticks during the spring, but usually not until May. This year, however, they are already seeing more people seeking medical care after finding ticks on themselves.
As residents return to parks, backyards and trails this spring and summer, officials recommend taking preventive steps, including using bug spray and checking for ticks after being outside.
"They seem to be really bad this year. Even though my cat and dog are treated, they've both had ticks on them this year," said Amy Francis of Alloway Township, New Jersey.
Officials say her experience is not unique.
"We are seeing them spiking a little earlier this year than in previous years across both the overall burden of disease and through ER visits," said Caryelle Vilaubi, director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.
Across the region, tick-related doctor visits are on the rise.
In New Jersey alone, there have been 169 tick-related emergency department visits so far this year, the highest year-to-date total in the past five years, according to health officials.
Vilaubi urges people to thoroughly check themselves, as well as children and pets, after spending time outdoors. She recommends doing so within two hours of coming inside.
"Especially in those hidden places. Behind our ears, behind knees, groin, belly button," she said.
Health officials say certain symptoms following a tick bite should prompt people to seek medical care or testing.
"Tick bites are going to come with a rash. Many do, so any kind of change or rash. Either the stereotypical bullseye that we think of but it can be another kind of rash," Vilaubi said. "We're also going to look for things like fever, body aches, chills, just not feeling well."
Officials also addressed a common question about whether removed ticks should be saved for testing. They say the emphasis has shifted away from testing the tick itself and toward testing people who are showing symptoms.
Those who want help identifying a tick or information about testing the insect can contact Camden County's entomology department, health officials said.