Abstract
Earth Observation (EO) data can be leveraged to estimate environmental variables that influence the transmission cycle of the pathogens that lead to mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs). The aim of this scoping review is to examine the state-of-the-art and identify knowledge gaps on the latest methods that used satellite EO data in their epidemiological models focusing on malaria, dengue and West Nile Virus (WNV). In total, 43 scientific papers met the inclusion criteria and were considered in this review. Researchers have examined a wide variety of methodologies ranging from statistical to machine learning algorithms. A number of studies used models and EO data that seemed promising and claimed to be easily replicated in different geographic contexts, enabling the realization of systems on regional and national scales. The need has emerged to leverage furthermore new powerful modeling approaches, like artificial intelligence and ensemble modeling and explore new and enhanced EO sensors towards the analysis of big satellite data, in order to develop accurate epidemiological models and contribute to the reduction of the burden of MBDs.
Highlights
Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MBDs) infect almost 700 million people every year and are recognized in over 100 countries affecting all continents apart from Antarctica and causing millions of deaths annually [1]
Earth Observation (EO) data were found to elicit environmental and climatic variables, that could significantly contribute to epidemiological modeling of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) referring to predictive mapping, geographic distribution and abundance of the pathogen and vectors, health risk assessment, understanding the transmission dynamics, identification, implementation of appropriate control strategies and their assessment
It is worth noting that besides the unforeseen long lifespan of the two most commonly used satellites Terra and Aqua, they are expected to switch off operations in a few years, and there is a need for replacing them with similar satellite/sensor systems e.g., SUOMI-NPP/VIRS, JPSS/VIRS, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3, which have not yet been fully exploited
Summary
Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MBDs) infect almost 700 million people every year and are recognized in over 100 countries affecting all continents apart from Antarctica and causing millions of deaths annually [1]. Despite the fact that there have been global campaigns to eradicate MBDs [2], these diseases are re-emerging and even more emerging in countries where they were previously unknown. The reason for this may be manifold. Most of the environmental variables (geographical, climatological, and hydrological) that influence the transmission cycle of MBDs between pathogenic agents, vectors and intermediate hosts can be monitored efficiently from satellites that carry specific instruments capable of capturing these parameters frequently and on a global scale [5,6,7]. Kazansky et al listed the various satellite sensors that can provide environmental data and could contribute as an input to a Malaria Early Warning System [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
