1
|
Rahimi-Ardabili H, Magrabi F, Coiera E. Digital health for climate change mitigation and response: a scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2140-2152. [PMID: 35960171 PMCID: PMC9667157 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Climate change poses a major threat to the operation of global health systems, triggering large scale health events, and disrupting normal system operation. Digital health may have a role in the management of such challenges and in greenhouse gas emission reduction. This scoping review explores recent work on digital health responses and mitigation approaches to climate change. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched Medline up to February 11, 2022, using terms for digital health and climate change. Included articles were categorized into 3 application domains (mitigation, infectious disease, or environmental health risk management), and 6 technical tasks (data sensing, monitoring, electronic data capture, modeling, decision support, and communication). The review was PRISMA-ScR compliant. RESULTS The 142 included publications reported a wide variety of research designs. Publication numbers have grown substantially in recent years, but few come from low- and middle-income countries. Digital health has the potential to reduce health system greenhouse gas emissions, for example by shifting to virtual services. It can assist in managing changing patterns of infectious diseases as well as environmental health events by timely detection, reducing exposure to risk factors, and facilitating the delivery of care to under-resourced areas. DISCUSSION While digital health has real potential to help in managing climate change, research remains preliminary with little real-world evaluation. CONCLUSION Significant acceleration in the quality and quantity of digital health climate change research is urgently needed, given the enormity of the global challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Farah Magrabi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rocheleau JP, Kotchi SO, Arsenault J. Can local risk of West Nile virus infection be predicted from previous cases? A descriptive study in Quebec, 2011-2016. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2020; 111:229-238. [PMID: 32020540 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-019-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed at (1) describing the local risk of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans based on previous case reports and (2) investigating the spatial clustering of cases in the five most affected administrative regions of Quebec, Canada, for the 2011-2016 period. METHODS Human WNV cases declared to the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec (Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux, MSSS) were retrieved. Incidence risk by age and sex was calculated for the study period. The yearly and monthly occurrence of cases in geographical units (GUs) was described and the probability of observing cases in a GU with cases reported in the previous year or month was assessed. Moran's I was used to assess global clustering across the study area. Spatial clusters were identified by the Kulldorff scan statistic. RESULTS A total of 261 WNV cases were declared to the MSSS between 2011 and 2016 in the study area. Overall, a low percentage of GU with cases reported had additional cases reported over the next month or year. Global spatial clustering was weak but statistically significant (p < 0.05) for 2012 and 2015. For these two years, spatial clusters of high-risk GUs were identified. CONCLUSION Results underline the challenge of predicting the distribution of WNV incidence risk in Quebec based on previous occurrence of human cases. Ongoing research with high spatial resolution entomological data is still necessary to understand the spatial distribution of risk at a local scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Rocheleau
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada. .,Département de santé animale, Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
| | - Serge-Olivier Kotchi
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Julie Arsenault
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.,Département de pathologie et microbiologie vétérinaire, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rochlin I, Faraji A, Healy K, Andreadis TG. West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1475-1490. [PMID: 31549725 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In North America, the geographic distribution, ecology, and vectorial capacity of a diverse assemblage of mosquito species belonging to the genus Culex determine patterns of West Nile virus transmission and disease risk. East of the Mississippi River, mostly ornithophagic Culex pipiens L. complex mosquitoes drive intense enzootic transmission with relatively small numbers of human cases. Westward, the presence of highly competent Culex tarsalis (Coquillett) under arid climate and hot summers defines the regions with the highest human risk. West Nile virus human risk distribution is not uniform geographically or temporally within all regions. Notable geographic 'hotspots' persist with occasional severe outbreaks. Despite two decades of comprehensive research, several questions remain unresolved, such as the role of non-Culex bridge vectors, which are not involved in the enzootic cycle, but may be involved in virus transmission to humans. The absence of bridge vectors also may help to explain the frequent lack of West Nile virus 'spillover' into human populations despite very intense enzootic amplification in the eastern United States. This article examines vectorial capacity and the eco-epidemiology of West Nile virus mosquito vectors in four geographic regions of North America and presents some of the unresolved questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Ary Faraji
- Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kristen Healy
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Theodore G Andreadis
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Karki S, Westcott NE, Muturi EJ, Brown WM, Ruiz MO. Assessing human risk of illness with West Nile virus mosquito surveillance data to improve public health preparedness. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:177-184. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Karki
- Department of Pathobiology; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
| | - N. E. Westcott
- Illinois State Water Survey; Prairie Research Institute; University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Urbana IL USA
| | - E. J. Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit; USDA, ARS; Peoria IL USA
| | - W. M. Brown
- Department of Pathobiology; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
| | - M. O. Ruiz
- Department of Pathobiology; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown HE, Young A, Lega J, Andreadis TG, Schurich J, Comrie A. Projection of Climate Change Influences on U.S. West Nile Virus Vectors. EARTH INTERACTIONS 2015; 19:18. [PMID: 27057131 PMCID: PMC4821504 DOI: 10.1175/ei-d-15-0008.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
While estimates of the impact of climate change on health are necessary for health care planners and climate change policy makers, models to produce quantitative estimates remain scarce. We describe a freely available dynamic simulation model parameterized for three West Nile virus vectors, which provides an effective tool for studying vector-borne disease risk due to climate change. The Dynamic Mosquito Simulation Model is parameterized with species specific temperature-dependent development and mortality rates. Using downscaled daily weather data, we estimate mosquito population dynamics under current and projected future climate scenarios for multiple locations across the country. Trends in mosquito abundance were variable by location, however, an extension of the vector activity periods, and by extension disease risk, was almost uniformly observed. Importantly, mid-summer decreases in abundance may be off-set by shorter extrinsic incubation periods resulting in a greater proportion of infective mosquitoes. Quantitative descriptions of the effect of temperature on the virus and mosquito are critical to developing models of future disease risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi E. Brown
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Alex Young
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joceline Lega
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Theodore G. Andreadis
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Andrew Comrie
- School of Geography & Development, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gaunt MC, Waldner C, Taylor SM. Serological Survey of West Nile Virus in Pet Dogs from Saskatchewan, Canada. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:755-8. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Casey Gaunt
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Cheryl Waldner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Susan M. Taylor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yusa A, Berry P, J Cheng J, Ogden N, Bonsal B, Stewart R, Waldick R. Climate Change, Drought and Human Health in Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:8359-412. [PMID: 26193300 PMCID: PMC4515727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120708359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Droughts have been recorded all across Canada and have had significant impacts on individuals and communities. With climate change, projections suggest an increasing risk of drought in Canada, particularly in the south and interior. However, there has been little research on the impacts of drought on human health and the implications of a changing climate. A review of the Canadian, U.S. and international literature relevant to the Canadian context was conducted to better define these impacts and adaptations available to protect health. Drought can impact respiratory health, mental health, illnesses related to exposure to toxins, food/water security, rates of injury and infectious diseases (including food-, water- and vector-borne diseases). A range of direct and indirect adaptation (e.g., agricultural adaptation) options exist to cope with drought. Many have already been employed by public health officials, such as communicable disease monitoring and surveillance and public education and outreach. However, gaps exist in our understanding of the impacts of short-term vs. prolonged drought on the health of Canadians, projections of drought and its characteristics at the regional level and the effectiveness of current adaptations. Further research will be critical to inform adaptation planning to reduce future drought-related risks to health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yusa
- Environmental Health Program, Health Canada, 180 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON M5V 3L7, Canada.
| | - Peter Berry
- Climate Change and Health Office, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave. West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - June J Cheng
- Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON M5A 2S5, Canada.
| | - Nicholas Ogden
- Centre for Food-Borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Sicotte, P.O. Box 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada.
| | - Barrie Bonsal
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada.
| | - Ronald Stewart
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 70A Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Ruth Waldick
- Environmental Health, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1A 0Z2, Canada.
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Major emerging vector-borne zoonotic diseases of public health importance in Canada. Emerg Microbes Infect 2015; 4:e33. [PMID: 26954882 PMCID: PMC4773043 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2015.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In Canada, the emergence of vector-borne diseases may occur via international movement and subsequent establishment of vectors and pathogens, or via northward spread from endemic areas in the USA. Re-emergence of endemic vector-borne diseases may occur due to climate-driven changes to their geographic range and ecology. Lyme disease, West Nile virus (WNV), and other vector-borne diseases were identified as priority emerging non-enteric zoonoses in Canada in a prioritization exercise conducted by public health stakeholders in 2013. We review and present the state of knowledge on the public health importance of these high priority emerging vector-borne diseases in Canada. Lyme disease is emerging in Canada due to range expansion of the tick vector, which also signals concern for the emergence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. WNV has been established in Canada since 2001, with epidemics of varying intensity in following years linked to climatic drivers. Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, snowshoe hare virus, and Cache Valley virus are other mosquito-borne viruses endemic to Canada with the potential for human health impact. Increased surveillance for emerging pathogens and vectors and coordinated efforts among sectors and jurisdictions will aid in early detection and timely public health response.
Collapse
|
10
|
Manore CA, Davis JK, Christofferson RC, Wesson DM, Hyman JM, Mores CN. Towards an early warning system for forecasting human west nile virus incidence. PLOS CURRENTS 2014; 6:ecurrents.outbreaks.f0b3978230599a56830ce30cb9ce0500. [PMID: 25914857 PMCID: PMC4398566 DOI: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.f0b3978230599a56830ce30cb9ce0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We have identified environmental and demographic variables, available in January, that predict the relative magnitude and spatial distribution of West Nile virus (WNV) for the following summer. The yearly magnitude and spatial distribution for WNV incidence in humans in the United States (US) have varied wildly in the past decade. Mosquito control measures are expensive and having better estimates of the expected relative size of a future WNV outbreak can help in planning for the mitigation efforts and costs. West Nile virus is spread primarily between mosquitoes and birds; humans are an incidental host. Previous efforts have demonstrated a strong correlation between environmental factors and the incidence of WNV. A predictive model for human cases must include both the environmental factors for the mosquito-bird epidemic and an anthropological model for the risk of humans being bitten by a mosquito. Using weather data and demographic data available in January for every county in the US, we use logistic regression analysis to predict the probability that the county will have at least one WNV case the following summer. We validate our approach and the spatial and temporal WNV incidence in the US from 2005 to 2013. The methodology was applied to forecast the 2014 WNV incidence in late January 2014. We find the most significant predictors for a county to have a case of WNV to be the mean minimum temperature in January, the deviation of this minimum temperature from the expected minimum temperature, the total population of the county, publicly available samples of local bird populations, and if the county had a case of WNV the previous year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Manore
- Center for Computational Science, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Justin K Davis
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Dawn M Wesson
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - James M Hyman
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher N Mores
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Manore CA, Davis J, Christofferson RC, Wesson D, Hyman JM, Mores CN. Towards an early warning system for forecasting human west nile virus incidence. PLOS CURRENTS 2014; 6:ecurrents.outbreaks.ed6f0f8a61d20ae5f32aaa5c2b8d3c23. [PMID: 24611126 PMCID: PMC3945055 DOI: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.ed6f0f8a61d20ae5f32aaa5c2b8d3c23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have identified environmental and demographic variables, available in January, that predict the relative magnitude and spatial distribution of West Nile virus (WNV) for the following summer. The yearly magnitude and spatial distribution for WNV incidence in humans in the United States (US) have varied wildly in the past decade. Mosquito control measures are expensive and having better estimates of the expected relative size of a future WNV outbreak can help in planning for the mitigation efforts and costs. West Nile virus is spread primarily between mosquitoes and birds; humans are an incidental host. Previous efforts have demonstrated a strong correlation between environmental factors and the incidence of WNV. A predictive model for human cases must include both the environmental factors for the mosquito-bird epidemic and an anthropological model for the risk of humans being bitten by a mosquito. Using weather data and demographic data available in January for every county in the US, we use logistic regression analysis to predict the probability that the county will have at least one WNV case the following summer. We validate our approach and the spatial and temporal WNV incidence in the US from 2005 to 2013. The methodology was applied to forecast the 2014 WNV incidence in late January 2014. We find the most significant predictors for a county to have a case of WNV to be the mean minimum temperature in January, the deviation of this minimum temperature from the expected minimum temperature, the total population of the county, publicly available samples of local bird populations, and if the county had a case of WNV the previous year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Manore
- Center for Computational Science, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Justin Davis
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Dawn Wesson
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - James M Hyman
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher N Mores
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hokit G, Alvey S, Geiger JMO, Johnson GD, Rolston MG, Kinsey DT, Tall Bear N. Using undergraduate researchers to build vector and West Nile virus surveillance capacity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:3192-202. [PMID: 23912200 PMCID: PMC3774432 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10083192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Vector surveillance for infectious diseases is labor intensive and constantly threatened by budget decisions. We report on outcomes of an undergraduate research experience designed to build surveillance capacity for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Montana (USA). Students maintained weekly trapping stations for mosquitoes and implemented assays to test for WNV in pools of Culex tarsalis. Test results were verified in a partnership with the state health laboratory and disseminated to the ArboNET Surveillance System. Combined with prior surveillance data, Cx. tarsalis accounted for 12% of mosquitoes with a mean capture rate of 74 (±SD = 118) Cx. tarsalis females per trap and a minimum infection rate of 0.3 infected mosquitoes per 1000 individuals. However, capture and infection rates varied greatly across years and locations. Infection rate, but not capture rate, was positively associated with the number of WNV human cases (Spearman’s rho = 0.94, p < 0.001). In most years, detection of the first positive mosquito pool occurred at least a week prior to the first reported human case. We suggest that undergraduate research can increase vector surveillance capacity while providing effective learning opportunities for students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grant Hokit
- Department of Natural Science, Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59625, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.); (J.M.O.G.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-406-447-4460; Fax: +1-406-447-4533
| | - Sam Alvey
- Department of Natural Science, Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59625, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.); (J.M.O.G.)
| | - Jennifer M. O. Geiger
- Department of Natural Science, Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59625, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.); (J.M.O.G.)
| | - Gregory D. Johnson
- Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; E-Mails: (G.D.J.); (M.G.R.)
| | - Marni G. Rolston
- Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; E-Mails: (G.D.J.); (M.G.R.)
| | | | - Neva Tall Bear
- Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen CC, Epp T, Jenkins E, Waldner C, Curry PS, Soos C. Modeling monthly variation of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) abundance and West Nile Virus infection rate in the Canadian Prairies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:3033-51. [PMID: 23880728 PMCID: PMC3734475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10073033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have generally reported the highest human incidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Canada. In this study, environmental and biotic factors were used to predict numbers of Culex tarsalis Coquillett, which is the primary mosquito vector of WNV in this region, and prevalence of WNV infection in Cx. tarsalis in the Canadian prairies. The results showed that higher mean temperature and elevated time lagged mean temperature were associated with increased numbers of Cx. tarsalis and higher WNV infection rates. However, increasing precipitation was associated with higher abundance of Cx. tarsalis and lower WNV infection rate. In addition, this study found that increased temperature fluctuation and wetland land cover were associated with decreased infection rate in the Cx. tarsalis population. The resulting monthly models can be used to inform public health interventions by improving the predictions of population abundance of Cx. tarsalis and the transmission intensity of WNV in the Canadian prairies. Furthermore, these models can also be used to examine the potential effects of climate change on the vector population abundance and the distribution of WNV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chih Chen
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; E-Mails: (T.E.); (C.W.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-306-966-7214; Fax: +1-306-966-7159
| | - Tasha Epp
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; E-Mails: (T.E.); (C.W.)
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Cheryl Waldner
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; E-Mails: (T.E.); (C.W.)
| | - Philip S. Curry
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 3475 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4S 6X6, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Catherine Soos
- Environment Canada, Science & Technology Branch, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4, Canada; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|