In particular, a tick, the western black-footed tick, is being closely monitored by the BC Centers for Disease Control due to the possibility of Lyme disease spreading. But the BCCDC needs your help to find and locate these horrible little ticks. They partnered with eTick, a free application developed by Dr. Jade Savage at Bishop University, funded by the Public Health Service of Canada, which helps identify ticks so researchers and health care providers can better understand the risks of Lyme disease in BC. To submit a photo, first remove the tick from the host. Do not attempt to burn the tick, squeeze the tick, or cover it with grease or any other substance, as this only increases the risk of infection. Just grab some tweezers and hold the tick as close to the skin as possible. Gently lift the tick directly from the skin without squeezing, twisting or shaking it. Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area with soap and water and then apply an antiseptic to clean the wound. Then wash your hands. Once you get rid of ticks and clean up, put it in the freezer for 10 to 30 minutes – this will make it easier to take a photo of the tick or send it for analysis, if requested. Next, you will want to orient the tick on its abdomen with its head and back fully visible. Then turn it over on its back to get a photo of the bottom of the tick. Make sure the photo is taken in good, bright light to minimize shadows. Close-up photos are the best that researchers can analyze. Fortunately, Lyme disease rates in BC. is one of the lowest in Canada with only 1 in 100 ticks being positive for the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. Erin Fraser, a public health veterinarian at BCCDC, said that while infection rates remain low at the moment, climate change could change that. “We really want to watch the ticks, which are more common and where they are distributed in BC. Lyme disease is more likely to be present in areas along the coast of BC and on Vancouver Island. However, there is a possibility of Lyme disease inside as well. Fraser said something that works in BC’s favor is that western black-footed ticks like to feed on lizards. “When ticks feed on lizards, there are certain antibacterial properties that can help remove the tick infection, so when it feeds on a person, pet or other animal it will not have the pathogen.” If you have been bitten by a tick and are concerned about the development of Lyme disease, be aware of the following symptoms: skin rash at the site of the sting that feels hot but not itchy or sore, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue or weakness paralysis of the facial muscles. People with symptoms of Lyme disease should contact a health professional for a referral for laboratory tests. The BCCDC says the vast majority of people with Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics within two to four weeks, especially if the disease is diagnosed early – although some people suffer long-term symptoms from the infection. The eTick app is available for download for Apple and Android devices and is available throughout Canada. READ MORE: Summerland man battles Lyme disease for more than 12 years READ MORE: Princeton pooch is positive for Lyme disease @ SchislerColecole.schisler @ bpdigital.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Lyme disease
