Tick Testing Company Founded to Combat Lyme Disease After Personal Battle
Man’s Lyme disease experience inspires tick testing company
Image: Ctv News
Justin Wood, who suffered from Lyme disease for nearly a decade, has founded Geneticks, a tick testing company in Uxbridge, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate early detection of tick-borne diseases by testing ticks for pathogens, which is crucial for effective treatment. With rising tick populations linked to climate change, awareness and prevention are increasingly important.
- 01Justin Wood was diagnosed with Lyme disease after years of misdiagnosis, leading to a personal mission to help others.
- 02Geneticks allows individuals to send ticks for testing to identify pathogens, enhancing early detection and treatment.
- 03Public Health Ontario reported 152 cases of Lyme disease in 2026, with an increase in tick populations attributed to climate change.
- 04Ticks can transmit Lyme disease only after being attached for 24 hours, making prompt removal essential.
- 05Preventative measures include wearing light-colored clothing, using bug spray, and conducting tick checks after outdoor activities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Justin Wood's journey with Lyme disease began while he was a graduate student at the University of Calgary in 2011. After years of misdiagnosis and suffering debilitating symptoms, Wood was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease, leading to a long recovery process. Now symptom-free, he has established Geneticks, a tick testing company located in Uxbridge, Ontario. The company provides a service where individuals can send ticks for testing to determine what pathogens they carry, which is vital for early treatment of tick-borne diseases. Wood emphasizes the importance of early detection, stating that timely treatment can prevent the severe ordeal he experienced. The rise in tick populations, particularly black-legged ticks, has been linked to climate change, prompting increased demand for testing services. Public Health Ontario has noted a growing number of Lyme disease cases, with 152 reported so far in 2026. Experts recommend preventative measures such as wearing protective clothing and performing tick checks after outdoor activities to mitigate the risks associated with tick bites.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The rise in tick populations and Lyme disease cases poses health risks to residents, necessitating awareness and preventative measures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about Lyme disease in your area?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.