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By Dylana Kneeshaw

CHECK FOR TICKS!

Tick pics: Interior residents encouraged to utilize new photo-info app and tick prevention measures

Apr 13, 2022 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops is known for its many hiking trails and nature parks for spring and summer outings, and Interior Health is reminding people to check for ticks while exploring.

Hiking in tall grass and wooded areas can increase the odds of coming into contact with a tick. Interior Health says it’s important to take precautions to prevent illnesses that may be transmitted from bites.

And one of the best ways to prevent a tick bite is to check yourself, children and pets over after a hike.

“I have found a surprising number of ticks on my dogs in the last few weeks, and so I expect other people are seeing them as well,” says IH Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton. “It’s really important (to know that) you cannot get an infection from a tick unless it has been embedded in your skin for longer than two days.”

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According to Interior Health, wood ticks are most common kind found in the Interior and do not carry the Lyme disease bacteria. But Lyme disease-carrying ticks are often found in coastal areas.

IH says most people with acute Lyme disease do not notice the bite that precedes the illness. Anyone who has the typical bull’s eye target rash of Lyme disease or other symptoms should contact their doctor.

“If you see one, you can take it off yourself,” explains Dr. Fenton, “We have a new app called E Tick and you can submit a photo and it can tell you what kind of tick it is. And make sure to wear long pants and just check yourself for ticks.”

To submit a tick photo, download the app, or find more information about tick prevention, visit etick.ca.