Mosquito Byte! – Mobile App

End User License Agreement

• Vectorecology.org
• Education/Medical
• Intended for Everyone

Mosquito Byte! is a citizen science, research study to collect data around the United States in an effort to track the rate and location of mosquito bites.
We recommend using the app no more than once an hour, in the event of getting bit by a mosquito.
To use the app, make sure you have Wifi enabled (or able to send data), and press the ‘I’ve been bitten’ button.
Pressing the button will send our server 2 pieces of information:

1. Your geolocation (approximate, within 100m)
2. the time and date.

We do not receive or ask for any other information. When you report a bite, you will be sent a fact about mosquitoes, or the diseases they cause.
We will use these data in a visual mapping service to allow scientists and the public to track mosquito bites in the United States.
Please note, the map is updated on a weekly or more frequent basis.
You can visit us at: vectorecology.org

Please read the information below about the research study before downloading Mosquito Byte!. You should only download this app if you are willing to participate in this study:

What are some general things you should know about research studies?

You are being asked to take part in a research study. Your participation in this study is voluntary. You have the right to be a part of this study, to choose not to participate or to stop participating at any time without penalty. The purpose of research studies is to gain a better understanding of the geography and seasonality of mosquito biting activity. You are not guaranteed any personal benefits from being in a study. Research studies also may pose risks to those that participate. In this consent form you will find specific details about the research in which you are being asked to participate. If you do not understand something in this form it is your right to ask the researcher for clarification or more information. A copy of this consent form will be provided to you. If at any time you have questions about your participation, do not hesitate to contact the researcher(s) named above.

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study is to allow everyday people to report mosquito bites to a global database. The data are then used to map the location and time of mosquito bite activity. This provides people with a real-time view of the global scale of biting activity and can be scaled down to the level of neighborhood.

What will happen if you take part in the study?

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to use a smart-phone app to report being bitten by a mosquito. When you press the “I’ve been bitten” button, your location and the time will be sent to a password protected database. No personal information is included in that report. The location is only accurate to around 100 meters, making it impossible to determine exact address, although general area is reported. The locations and times will be displayed on a publically available map (at www.cartodb.com).

Risks

There are no known risks to participation in this project. The only information gathered will be the location (accurate to 100m) and the time and date. No other personal information will be gathered.

Benefits

There are several benefits. If many people use this app, we will get accurate spatial and temporal information about mosquito pests. This, in turn, can be used to help provide accurate control. Governmental entities (e.g. mosquito control districts) who job it is to control mosquitoes, may also use these data to target control efforts and monitor impact.

Confidentiality

The information in the study records will be kept confidential to the full extent allowed by law. Data will be stored securely in password protected database. No personal identifiers will be collected.

Compensation

You will not receive anything for participating.

What if you have questions about this study?

If you have questions at any time about the study or the procedures, you may contact the researcher, Dr. Michael Reiskind, mhreiski@ncsu.edu, 919-515-0719

What if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?

If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in this form, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact Deb Paxton, Regulatory Compliance Administrator at dapaxton@ncsu.edu or by phone at 1-919-515-4514.

Consent To Participate

I have read and understand the above information. I understand that by downloading the Mosquito Byte! app, I agree to participate in this study. I also understand that I may choose not to participate or to stop participating at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which I am otherwise entitled.

By downloading the application, you acknowledge your willingness to participate in this research.