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 Laredo News
In Laredo , the surge in tick-related emergency room visits in Virginia serves as a warning for local residents to take precautions against tick-borne illnesses. While the story focuses on Virginia, the same concerns apply to Webb County, where outdoor activities like hiking and gardening are popular. As the summer months extend into fall, Laredo residents should be aware of the potential risks of tick bites, including alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that can develop after a tick bite. Local healthcare workers may see an increase in tick-related cases, emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention measures. Residents can take steps to protect themselves by using repellents, treating outdoor clothing with permethrin, and conducting daily tick checks. By being proactive, Laredo residents can reduce their risk of tick-borne illnesses and avoid emergency room visits.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabby Womack, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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