 |
|
Predicting mosquito outbreaks for disease control
March 24, 2009University of Adelaide researchers have shown they can predict the biggest population peaks of disease-carrying mosquitoes up to two months ahead.
This should help the fight against outbreaks of serious mosquito-borne disease like dengue and Ross River fever by allowing efficient and cost-effective mosquito control, says ecologist Associate Professor Corey Bradshaw.
"The risk of disease transmission is highest when mosquitoes are at their most abundant," says Associate Professor Bradshaw, who is from the University's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and also employed as a Senior Scientist by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
"This model is a tool that helps predict when there is going to be a higher-than-average outbreak so that population control efforts can be implemented when they are going to be most effective and are most needed."
The University of Adelaide researchers analysed 15 years of population data of Aedes vigilax , the northern Australian mosquito that transmits the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, and compared it with environmental factors affecting populations including tides and rainfall.
"We found that basic environmental monitoring data can be coupled with relatively simple population models to assist in predicting the timing and magnitude of mosquito peaks which lead to disease outbreaks in human populations," Associate Professor Bradshaw says.
In salt-loving species like the Aedes vigilax mosquito, populations tend to peak after very high tides. But the frequency of high tides and the amount of rainfall in the preceding months when mosquito numbers are low are the critical elements dictating the magnitude of eventual peaks.
"Previously, we didn't know how big that peak would be," says Associate Professor Bradshaw. "With this model, mosquito control efforts can be scaled according to the expected size of a future peak."
Associate Professor Bradshaw said the same model could be applied to other mosquito species, for instance dengue- or malaria-transmitting species, and others in tropical regions worldwide.
The research is detailed in a paper published online in the Public Library of Science journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases at http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.13712Fjournal.pntd.0000385
The University of Adelaide
"This model is a tool that helps predict when there is going to be a higher-than-average outbreak so that population control efforts can be implemented when they are going to be most effective and are most needed."
The University of Adelaide researchers analysed 15 years of population data of Aedes vigilax , the northern Australian mosquito that transmits the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, and compared it with environmental factors affecting populations including tides and rainfall.
"We found that basic environmental monitoring data can be coupled with relatively simple population models to assist in predicting the timing and magnitude of mosquito peaks which lead to disease outbreaks in human populations," Associate Professor Bradshaw says.
In salt-loving species like the Aedes vigilax mosquito, populations tend to peak after very high tides. But the frequency of high tides and the amount of rainfall in the preceding months when mosquito numbers are low are the critical elements dictating the magnitude of eventual peaks.
"Previously, we didn't know how big that peak would be," says Associate Professor Bradshaw. "With this model, mosquito control efforts can be scaled according to the expected size of a future peak."
Associate Professor Bradshaw said the same model could be applied to other mosquito species, for instance dengue- or malaria-transmitting species, and others in tropical regions worldwide.
The research is detailed in a paper published online in the Public Library of Science journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases at http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.13712Fjournal.pntd.0000385
The University of Adelaide
Mosquito Current Events and Mosquito News RSSPATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative shares strategy for developing 'next-generation' malaria vaccines
Marking its tenth anniversary year, the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) today unveiled a new strategy that sets the stage for an aggressive push targeting the long-term goal of eliminating and eradicating malaria. Malaria is one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, killing nearly 900,000 people a year, most of them children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Media availability: The role of biomedical research in malaria eradication
Although malaria has been controlled in many local and regional populations, the permanent elimination of malaria parasites throughout the world remains an elusive goal, and the disease continues to claim nearly one million lives each year.
UC Davis researchers identify dominant chemical that attracts mosquitoes to humans
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases.
Arctic lake sediments show warming, unique ecological changes in recent decades
An analysis of sediment cores indicates that biological and chemical changes occurring at a remote Arctic lake are unprecedented over the past 200,000 years and likely are the result of human-caused climate change, according to a new study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder.
UM School of Medicine researchers find extreme genetic variability in malaria parasite
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) have charted the extreme genetic differences that occur over time in the most dangerous malaria parasite in the world.
UH Manoa researcher examines possible implications of daily commute and mosquito-borne diseases
University of Hawaii at Manoa assistant researcher Durrell Kapan recently published a paper, Man Bites Mosquito: Understanding the Contribution of Human Movement to Vector-Borne Disease Dynamics, in PLoS One. Published August 26, the paper highlights how daily commuting patterns in mega-cities may be a critically overlooked factor in understanding the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, infecting 50-100 million people annually.
Decade-long US project to fight malaria builds thriving African mosquito net industry
In a decade-long initiative to protect millions of families from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, a U.S. government-funded project helped sell 50 million bed nets in seven countries, crafted a voucher system to allow the poor to receive them for free or partial cost, and created enough incentives for private companies that they invested $88 million to expand their businesses.
The buzz on an amazing new mosquito repellent: Will it fly?
After searching for more than 50 years, scientists finally have discovered a number of new mosquito repellents that beat DEET, the gold standard for warding off those pesky, sometimes disease-carrying insects.
The tourist trap
Mosquitoes with the potential to carry diseases lethal to many unique species of Galapagos wildlife are being regularly introduced to the islands via aircraft, according to new research published today.
Scientists report original source of malaria
Researchers have identified what they believe is the original source of malignant malaria: a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa.
More Mosquito Current Events and Mosquito News Articles
 |
Blue Rhino SkeeterVac SV3100 Mosquito Eliminator, Up to 1 Acre by Blue Rhino New Skeetervac SV3100 Mosquito Elimination covers up to 1 acre |
 |
SpringStar - Mosquito Trap by SpringStar This unique mosquito trap catches only the ones that bite. Particularly effective on the Culex mosquito, the one that spreads west nile virus. The trap works by luring female mosquitoes inside using a pheromone- once inside they cannot escape. Two per average yard will reduce the population significantly. Trap can be rinsed out and reused many times during the season, more bait will be required (SpringStar mosquito refill lure, item S1519). Try it, you'll like it. |
 |
Thermacell/Schawbel Mosquito Repeller Olive MRG12-00 by THERMACELL/SCHAWBEL Great for hunting, fishing and camping. Provides 15 ft. diameter protection. Repels mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. Also works on black flies. Contains 1 reusable appliance, 1 cartridge (0.42 oz.) and 3 insect repellent mats (0.08 oz. each). Odor free. |
 |
Dr. T's DT336 Mosquito Repelling Granules 5 Pounds by Dr Ts 5 LB, Mosquito & Gnat Granules, Long Lasting, Organic Granular Mosquito Repellent, Contains 3 Natural Oils, No Poisons, & Great Around Kids, Repellent Lasts To 2-3 Weeks, Pleasant Aroma & Is Even An Excellent Soil Enhancer, Easily Applied From Its Sprinkler Cap Or Fertilizer Spreader, Can Be Used To Protect Lawns, Pool & Patio Areas From Mosquitoes. |
 |
Dynatrap Insect Eliminator by Dynatrap Dynatrap eliminates mosquitoes and flying insects without harmful chemicals or propane. Just hang it up for a comfortable living environment indoors or outdoors. The patented 3-way technology operates with two UV fluorescent light bulbs. The light attracts and creates warmth to work with the funnel coated with Titanium Dioxide -TiO2 to produce carbon dioxide CO2 without the use of propane. The 3-way protection plan lures mosquitoes, flies, moths, and other flying insects that carry disease into the Dynatrap. The whisper quiet, yet powerful fan pulls the flying insects into the retaining cage where they will naturally perish without a blood or water source. It can be used indoors or outdoors and covers up to ½ acre. It includes a hook for hanging and brush for cleaning and has a... |
 |
Mosquito Starring: Gunnar Hansen (II), Ron Asheton, Steve Dixon, Rachel Loiselle, Tim Lovelace Directed By: Gary Jones Millions of years of evolution have just become mankind's worst nightmare. In the terrifying tradition of "Alien" and "Predator" comes "Mosquito," a spine tingling tale of an alien force that transforms tiny insects into monstrous mutants with a lust for human blood. Sci Fi master Andre Blay presents nature's most horrifying thriller! |
 |
Micro Mosquito by Alany Product Feature - This product is an actual Micro Helicopter. While it has been precision engineered for flight, like other aircraft, it can be demaged by contact or collision with a fixed object. The product warranty does not cover accidental or collision damage. Enjoy,but fly safely! - Ascending,descending,nose turing left/right,forward and backward. - The biggest control radius of the heli is 10m - Full charged will offers the heli 8-12m flight,and the transmitter use the 9V battery. |
 |
Flowtron MA-1000-6 Octenol Mosquito Attractant Cartridges (6-Pack) by Flowtron Makes your insect killer up to 5 times more effective at killing mosquitoes and biting flies |
 |
Mosquito by Roma Tearne (Author) Set adrift by the recent death of his wife, Theo Samarajeeva abandons his comfortable writer’s life in London and returns to Sri Lanka, his war- torn homeland. There he meets Nulani, a talented and enigmatic young artist. An unorthodox and tenuous love blossoms between this unlikely pair. Nulani finally feels love, and Theo sees hope in his future. But when the insurgency explodes, their precarious world is torn apart. Theo is held captive and stripped of everything he once held dear. Nulani is forced into exile. As the years pass, and the poison of war spreads across this paradise, will their love be lost forever? By turns heartbreaking and uplifting, Mosquito is a first novel of remarkable beauty and compelling power. |
 |
Summit Chemical 30Oz Mosquito Bits 117-6 by SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO Quickly kills mosquito larvae within 24 hours. Environmentally sound biological mosquito control. Sprinkle in any standing water, including gardens. EPA registered in all 50 states. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |