Washington Trails Association Tracking where the Ticks are

A new collaboration between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) aims to enhance the understanding of tick distribution in Washington state through hiker trip reports. Led by UW Master of Public Health student Alex Eisen, the project utilizes automated tools to analyze reports for mentions of ticks since 1998. Although Eisen's research did not conclusively link former wildfire perimeters to tick habitats, it did indicate a growing presence of ticks in regions such as the Issaquah Alps and the Olympic Peninsula. This increase poses public health risks, particularly as more individuals may unknowingly venture into tick-prone areas. In response, the DOH plans to intensify educational efforts in counties lacking tick surveillance data.

Dr. Hanna Oltean, a Senior Epidemiologist, emphasizes the importance of knowing where ticks are prevalent to prevent tick-borne diseases. The public is encouraged to report tick encounters via trip reports, which only take a couple of minutes to complete. This initiative not only aids in tracking tick sightings but also enhances the overall safety and awareness of outdoor enthusiasts in Washington.