Abstract
Improved methods for collection and presentation of spatial epidemiologic data are needed for vectorborne diseases in the United States. Lack of reliable data for probable pathogen exposure site has emerged as a major obstacle to the development of predictive spatial risk models. Although plague case investigations can serve as a model for how to ideally generate needed information, this comprehensive approach is cost-prohibitive for more common and less severe diseases. New methods are urgently needed to determine probable pathogen exposure sites that will yield reliable results while taking into account economic and time constraints of the public health system and attending physicians. Recent data demonstrate the need for a change from use of the county spatial unit for presentation of incidence of vectorborne diseases to more precise ZIP code or census tract scales. Such fine-scale spatial risk patterns can be communicated to the public and medical community through Web-mapping approaches.
Highlights
Spatial Epidemiology of Vectorborne DiseasesWNV vectors (Cx. pipiens, Cx. tarsalis) and the fact that people commonly are bitten by other mosquitoes in areas where these vectors and WNV are absent (e.g., the high mountains in central Colorado)
Improved methods for collection and presentation of spatial epidemiologic data are needed for vectorborne diseases in the United States
Exposure to Ixodes pacificus nymphs, which serve as primary vectors of B. burgdorferi in California, is largely restricted to dense woodlands with a ground cover dominated by leaf litter and lacking emergent vegetation [22,23]
Summary
WNV vectors (Cx. pipiens, Cx. tarsalis) and the fact that people commonly are bitten by other mosquitoes in areas where these vectors and WNV are absent (e.g., the high mountains in central Colorado). Human plague cases in the southwestern United States are closely associated with ecotonal piñon-juniper habitat and elevation [9]. The etiologic agent of plague is transmitted primarily by flea bite, and human cases are typically associated with epizootic activity, which most commonly occurs in clearly defined habitat types and under climatic conditions favoring build-up of dense rodent and flea populations [17,18,29,30]. Exhaustive plague case investigations by state health agencies or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ensure reliable assessments of probable exposure sites for Y. pestis in the United States
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
