Recommended Citation
Frueh JA, Abdulla A, Biskis A, Lovell E, McKillip R. Clinical Insights and Case Analysis of Disorders Attributed to Cicadas in the Emergency Department (CICADA). Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Abstract
Background/Significance:
In 2024, the United States experienced the simultaneous emergence of two periodic cicada broods, Broods XIII and XIX, in addition to the emergence of annual cicadas, resulting in an unprecedented burden of cicadas on daily life. Previous research has shown that cicadas can pose a health risk, including allergic reactions and unintentional trauma. The extent of the impact of the 2024 cicada emergence on public health is unknown.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to inform public health preparedness for similar future events by examining the frequencies and characteristics of urgent care (UC) and emergency department (ED) visits related to the 2024 cicada emergence.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of all UC and ED visits in the Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care (Advocate Health – Midwest) system from April 1 through July 31, 2024, the four months of highest cicada emergence concentration. Advocate Health – Midwest is the largest health care system in Illinois and Wisconsin, states impacted by the two cicada broods. Using the electronic health record, patient charts were searched for the word "cicada" along with expected spelling variations from typing or dictation errors. Qualifying charts were reviewed and qualitatively coded by two emergency physicians. Patient data extracted included diagnosis, demographics, arrival mode, length of stay, disposition, diagnostics and therapeutics. Visits determined to be unrelated to cicadas were excluded. Conflicting results were resolved via consensus.
Results:
There were 331,170 visits to 28 different EDs and UCs in the system during the study period. Of those, 48 mentioned the word “cicada” or a spelling variant. Thirty-two visits were identified as related to cicadas. Patient ages ranged from 7 weeks to 84 years. Trauma was the most common category of visit (27), and was due to falls (17), blunt trauma (4), vehicle or bicycle accident (3), muscle strain (2), or penetrating injury (1). Other categories included allergic reactions (2), environmental exposure (2), and neurologic complication (1). Most patients self-presented; fewer than half utilized EMS transport. Imaging was frequently utilized as 21 (65.6%) of patients received an x-ray and 14 (43.7%) a CT. Seven patients suffered fractures and five patients were admitted.
Conclusion:
The public health impact of the 2024 cicada emergence on a large, geographically relevant health care system was modest but individuals did experience morbidity, largely related to traumatic events.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Clinical Insights and Case Analysis of Disorders Attributed to Cicadas in the Emergency Department (CICADA)
Background/Significance:
In 2024, the United States experienced the simultaneous emergence of two periodic cicada broods, Broods XIII and XIX, in addition to the emergence of annual cicadas, resulting in an unprecedented burden of cicadas on daily life. Previous research has shown that cicadas can pose a health risk, including allergic reactions and unintentional trauma. The extent of the impact of the 2024 cicada emergence on public health is unknown.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to inform public health preparedness for similar future events by examining the frequencies and characteristics of urgent care (UC) and emergency department (ED) visits related to the 2024 cicada emergence.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of all UC and ED visits in the Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care (Advocate Health – Midwest) system from April 1 through July 31, 2024, the four months of highest cicada emergence concentration. Advocate Health – Midwest is the largest health care system in Illinois and Wisconsin, states impacted by the two cicada broods. Using the electronic health record, patient charts were searched for the word "cicada" along with expected spelling variations from typing or dictation errors. Qualifying charts were reviewed and qualitatively coded by two emergency physicians. Patient data extracted included diagnosis, demographics, arrival mode, length of stay, disposition, diagnostics and therapeutics. Visits determined to be unrelated to cicadas were excluded. Conflicting results were resolved via consensus.
Results:
There were 331,170 visits to 28 different EDs and UCs in the system during the study period. Of those, 48 mentioned the word “cicada” or a spelling variant. Thirty-two visits were identified as related to cicadas. Patient ages ranged from 7 weeks to 84 years. Trauma was the most common category of visit (27), and was due to falls (17), blunt trauma (4), vehicle or bicycle accident (3), muscle strain (2), or penetrating injury (1). Other categories included allergic reactions (2), environmental exposure (2), and neurologic complication (1). Most patients self-presented; fewer than half utilized EMS transport. Imaging was frequently utilized as 21 (65.6%) of patients received an x-ray and 14 (43.7%) a CT. Seven patients suffered fractures and five patients were admitted.
Conclusion:
The public health impact of the 2024 cicada emergence on a large, geographically relevant health care system was modest but individuals did experience morbidity, largely related to traumatic events.
Affiliations
Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute