Temporal and Spatial Variability of Entomological Risk Indices for West Nile Virus Infection in Northern Colorado: 2006-2013

In this study, we present descriptive data from historical surveillance records spanning 2006–2013 to discern seasonal and yearly patterns of entomological risk for WNV infection. Also, we retrospectively test the hypothesis that entomological risk is correlated with human transmission risk and is heterogeneous within the City of Fort Collins. Four logistically relevant zones within the city were established and used to test this hypothesis. Zones in the eastern portion of the city consistently had significantly higher Culex abundance and VI compared with zones in the west, leading to higher entomological risk indicators for human WNV infection in the east. Moreover, the relative risk of a reported human case of WNV infection was significantly higher in the eastern zones of the city. Our results suggest that a more spatially targeted WNV management program may better mitigate human risk for WNV infection in Fort Collins, and possibly other cities where transmission is enzootic, while at the same time reducing pesticide use.

Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - March 8, 2016 Category: Biology Authors: Fauver, J. R., Pecher, L., Schurich, J. A., Bolling, B. G., Calhoon, M., Grubaugh, N. D., Burkhalter, K. L., Eisen, L., Andre, B. G., Nasci, R. S., LeBailly, A., Ebel, G. D., Moore, C. G. Tags: Vector-Borne Diseases, Surveillance, Prevention Source Type: research