As summer rolls around, parents are zipping up sleeping bags and rounding up bug spray in preparation for sending their kids off to summer camp. But before those backpacks are tossed in the car, there’s a nagging pestilence worthy of parental attention – ticks. Yes, those tiny, creepy-crawlies that seem to lurk in tall grass and wooded areas, just waiting to hitch a ride. This year, the tick situation has taken a worrying turn, with experts sounding alarms about an uptick (no pun intended) in cases of Powassan virus, a rare but serious tick-borne disease.

Powassan virus may sound like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, but it’s very real and showing up more frequently. According to the CDC, there were a record 76 cases last year, and we’ve already seen 15 reports this year. What’s behind this not-so-glamorous trend? Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical analyst, has a theory. He points fingers at an increasing number of deer and mice, especially in the Northeast and upper Midwest, as key players in spreading these diseases. While most people would blame ticks on neglected backyards, it turns out some four-legged culprits are at play too – thanks, Bambi.

Now, as if parents didn’t have enough to worry about when sending kids off to camp, they have to add tick-checks to their growing list of summer essentials. Siegel makes a compelling case for the basics: long sleeves, insect repellent, and thorough checks when kids return from their wild escapades. He suggests looking in unexpected places, like the scalp or underarms, where ticks might hide out – just what mom and dad need after a busy day, a scavenger hunt for ticks.

And while Lyme disease is the unsettling star of the tick-borne diseases, familiar to many by its bullseye rash, Powassan virus is making a name for itself, albeit not the kind you’d want on a resume. Unlike Lyme disease, which needs the tick attached for about 48 hours, Powassan can do its damage in just 15 minutes. Moreover, there’s no treatment or vaccine available for Powassan yet, unlike Lyme disease, which can be tackled with antibiotics if caught early. This leaves parents and doctors in a bit of a bind – rather reminiscent of being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Given all these alarming details, it seems the summer camp packing list might need a few additions: vigilance, precaution, and maybe a good pair of tweezers. As everyone enjoys the great outdoors this summer, it would do well to remember that nature, while splendid, has its share of hidden hazards. Whether it’s watching out for deer ticks or reminding Junior to actually wear those long sleeves, a little caution goes a long way. After all, nobody wants to spend summer vacation rummaging through hair looking for ticks – it does seem like an awfully big ask for folks who just signed up for roasting marshmallows.