Correlating Remote Sensing Data with the Abundance of Pupae of the Dengue Virus Mosquito Vector, Aedes aegypti, in Central Mexico

Abstract

Using a geographic transect in Central Mexico, with an elevation/climate gradient, but uniformity in socio-economic conditions among study sites, this study evaluates the applicability of three widely-used remote sensing (RS) products to link weather conditions with the local abundance of the dengue virus mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti). Field-derived entomological measures included estimates for the percentage of premises with the presence of Ae. aegypti pupae and the abundance of Ae. aegypti pupae per premises. Data on mosquito abundance from field surveys were matched with RS data and analyzed for correlation. Daily daytime and nighttime land surface temperature (LST) values were obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua cloud-free images within the four weeks preceding the field survey. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)-estimated rainfall accumulation was calculated for the four weeks preceding the field survey. Elevation was estimated through a digital elevation model (DEM). Strong correlations were found between mosquito abundance and RS-derived night LST, elevation and rainfall along the elevation/climate gradient. These findings show that RS data can be used to predict Ae. aegypti abundance, but further studies are needed to define the climatic and socio-economic conditions under which the correlations observed herein can be assumed to apply.

Exploratory Analysis of Dengue Fever Niche Variables within the Río Magdalena Watershed

“…However, more recently it was reported present (although not abundant) at 2130 m in Central Mexico [18] and 2300 m in Colombia [33]. Cultural parameters can involve the presence of anthropogenic water storing activities, which may be responsible for up to 79% of the reported cases [3,8]. Water storage tanks, potted plants, and similar peridomestic related containers can provide larval rearing sites proximal to populated areas.…”

“…Identification of these vector boundaries, and the pathogen it carries, is known as detection of the zoonotic niche [22][23][24][25]. The variables defining this niche can be estimated through RS data to derive the geographic extent of the mosquito's habitat [3], and could become increasingly important to accurately monitor future transmission risk of DF. Similar habitat and dispersion studies are already being conducted for this and other vector diseases, including West Nile Virus and Malaria [2,4,7].…”

“…The vector's habitat and disease transmission potential are largely set by given meteorological and elevation boundaries [3,21]. Identification of these vector boundaries, and the pathogen it carries, is known as detection of the zoonotic niche [22][23][24][25].…”

“…Implementation of new control programs require ongoing data collection. Cost limitation of in situ data collection has increased the use of remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) applications to estimate disease spread and population vulnerability [2,3]. Public health agencies can use such tools to implement monitoring and surveillance programs for multiple purposes, including the estimation of vector abundance, implement prevention strategies, or to control for further dispersion of the disease and vector [4,5].…”

Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies in Public Health

“…aegypti, with nighttime land surface temperature [15]. The authors note that, in their study area of central Mexico, the elevation and meteorological conditions significantly vary, but the socio-economic conditions remain relatively uniform, which simplifies the analysis.…”