Assessing tick attachments to humans with citizen science data: spatio-temporal mapping in Switzerland from 2015 to...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Ticks transmit numerous zoonotic pathogens, posing a significant public health burden.
• Increasing tick-borne disease incidence in the Northern Hemisphere is linked to climate change expanding tick habitats.
• Switzerland faces a growing concern regarding tick-borne diseases, with rising incidence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map human tick attachment risk in Switzerland using citizen science data.
• To provide high-resolution (100m) monthly risk maps from 2015-2021.
• To inform public health interventions and healthcare resource planning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized citizen science data collected via the "Tick Prevention" app.
• Employed a state-of-the-art spatialMaxent modeling approach.
• Accounted for spatial autocorrelation in model creation.

Main Results:

• Generated 84 maps showing good model performance (median AUC 0.82-0.92).
• Identified high tick attachment risk at settlement edges, suburban areas with green spaces, and nearby forests.
• Observed lower risk in densely urbanized areas.

Conclusions:

• Citizen science data is valuable for modeling and mapping tick attachment risk.
• Findings can guide public health interventions to minimize human tick exposure.
• The study highlights the potential of citizen science for epidemiological surveillance and public health planning.