Tick App Aims to Combat Rising Lyme Disease Cases

Public encouraged to submit ticks for identification and surveillance.

With Lyme disease cases on the rise, health officials are promoting a novel approach: a mobile app that allows the public to help identify ticks and assess potential health risks.

Tick Identification via App

The public is being asked to use the ETick app to upload photos of ticks they encounter. This information assists in identifying the type of tick and any associated dangers. The data also contributes to broader public health tracking efforts.

Researchers, including Dr. Kateryn Rochon, Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology, analyze the submitted tick images.

Lyme Disease Awareness

While an increase in Lyme disease diagnoses has been noted, some health professionals suggest that heightened awareness may contribute to these figures.

Rising Cases, National Concern

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with the CDC estimating around 476,000 cases annually (CDC).

Watch the Report

For more details, an extended report is available at Global News Winnipeg.