Tick bites are sending people to ERs at unusually high rates this spring, according to new CDC data — and Colorado's tick season is ramping up, too.

Why it matters: "Tick season is here and these tiny biters can make you seriously sick," CDC epidemiologist Alison Hinckley said in a statement.

• Tick bites can spread illnesses ranging from Colorado tick fever to Lyme disease — and experts say warmer weather is helping ticks thrive and spread into new areas.

Zoom in: In Colorado, tick bites are most common in the spring, according to Colorado State University.

Colorado's mild winter gave ticks "an early start on looking for hosts," the state's public health entomologist told CPR News.

• The good news: Lyme disease is still uncommon in Colorado, where the ticks most likely to spread it have not become established.
• Colorado recently launched a tick reporting page to help monitor where disease-carrying ticks are spreading.

Colorado tick fever is the state's most common tick-borne disease. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

Most cases are mild, though rare complications can affect the central nervous system.

By the numbers: April saw 104 ER visits for tick bites per 100,000 ER visits nationwide — up from 68 a year earlier, according to preliminary CDC data.

• Across the West, April tick-bite ER visit rates were the highest for the month since CDC tracking began in 2017.
• Tick-bite ER visits typically peak in May and stay elevated through much of the summer.

Zoom out: Experts say climate change is helping ticks expand into new areas as warmer, wetter weather fuels larger populations.

To protect yourself:

• Wear EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Check yourself and pets after hikes or time in tall grass.
• Remove ticks as quickly as possible — ideally within 24 hours.
• Watch for fever or rash after a bite and see a doctor if symptoms appear.

One more thing: Ticks tend to hide in leaf litter, brush and tall grass — so take extra care on spring hikes and trail walks across Colorado.

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🏥 UC Health regional president and CEO Lonnie Cramer says Colorado Springs' Grandview Hospital is not expected to close, despite appearing on a list of hospitals at risk from proposed Medicaid cuts. (The Colorado Springs Gazette 🔑)

A 2024 GOP state Senate candidate, Timothy Arvidson, has been identified by police as the suspect in a May 23 fatal shooting tied to a neighborhood dispute on Colorado Springs' west side. (KRDO)

👷‍♀️ El Paso county has approved construction permits for Swire Coca-Cola's planned $190 million manufacturing center near the COS Airport. (Facebook)

• The energy-efficient building is expected to add 170 local jobs when it opens in spring 2028.

🍺 Sports bar chain Stoney's is moving into the former Oskar Blues space on Tejon Street in downtown. (BizWest)

• The chain has two locations in Denver and one in Winter Park.

Denver International Airport is finally giving travelers another way to get between concourses — and yes, it involves those mysterious tunnels.

Why it matters: The new underground pedestrian walkways between the A, B and C concourses will be a second option when the beleaguered train system gets crowded or stops working.

Driving the news: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and DIA CEO Phil Washington announced the plans Tuesday as part of preparation for the airport to eventually reach 100 million passengers a year.

🚶‍♀️ How it works: The walkways will weave through parts of the airport's underground passageways, part of the existing baggage system. According to one of the airport's many legends, the tunnels contain secret pathways and bunkers used by secret societies.

What's next: Construction is expected to start in 2027 — about the same time the main terminal build-out nears completion.

The big picture: The airport is in the middle of a massive expansion, adding 39 gates in recent years and renovating the Great Hall in the Jeppesen Terminal.

• It invested $75 million into upgrading the train system between terminals.

💭 Glenn's thought bubble: Conspiracy theories 👽 about the tunnels are fun and all, but at COS I'd just love to not battle sideways sleet between long-term parking and the terminal.

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