Posted by Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee
February 22, 2023
Wilke, Andre B.B., et al. Email: andwilke@iu.edu
- Acta Tropica, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106833
Condensed abstract:
This study determined the spatiotemporal distribution of vector mosquito species abundance in Maricopa County, AZ from 2011 to 2021, and identified ‘hotspot’ areas for West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV) transmission during the epidemic of 2021. High levels of heterogeneity were detected in the risk of WNV and SLEV transmission to humans disregarding trap geographical proximity. The authors did not relate their analyses to epidemiological data, but the vector index as well as abundance patterns showed overlap with human population density. The authors concluded that the well-defined species-specific spatiotemporal and geographical patterns could be used to inform vector control operations.
Note: This study analyzed the patterns of mosquito and virus distribution during the extremely high West Nile season of 2021 and placed these results into historical context of previous surveillance. An earlier version of this publication can be read free of cost: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2022/12/05/2022.07.28.501907.full.pdf.