Abstract
The prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, are important health issues in tropical areas. Malaria transmission is a multi-scale process strongly controlled by environmental factors, and the use of remote-sensing data is suitable for the characterization of its spatial and temporal dynamics. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is well-adapted to tropical areas, since it is capable of imaging independent of light and weather conditions. In this study, we highlight the contribution of SAR sensors in the assessment of the relationship between vectors, malaria and the environment in the Amazon region. More specifically, we focus on the SAR-based characterization of potential breeding sites of mosquito larvae, such as man-made water collections and natural wetlands, providing guidelines for the use of SAR capabilities and techniques in order to optimize vector control and malaria surveillance. In light of these guidelines, we propose a framework for the production of spatialized indicators and malaria risk maps based on the combination of SAR, entomological and epidemiological data to support malaria risk prevention and control actions in the field.
Highlights
Background of the StudyAccording to the WHO (World Health Organization) [1,2], vector-borne diseases, including mosquito-borne diseases, account for 17% of infectious diseases and are responsible for more than a million casualties each year
Stefani et al [11] conducted a systematic review of the literature (17 papers), in which they studied the correlations between land cover classes and malaria risk in the Amazon
We propose to provide guidelines for the use of Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote-sensing for wetland studies and review the advantages and limitations/uncertainties of currently available sensors
Summary
According to the WHO (World Health Organization) [1,2], vector-borne diseases, including mosquito-borne diseases, account for 17% of infectious diseases and are responsible for more than a million casualties each year. The larvae of An. darlingi are thought to require stable chemical and physical conditions in their breeding sites, which are generally not found in small water bodies. This species preferably breeds in large, deep and clear water collections, such as lakes, swamps or large rivers [21]. Deforested areas provide favorable conditions for malaria vector breeding and feeding; and forest and secondary forest can represent resting sites for adult mosquitoes that return to the forest and secondary forest after feeding [11,18]. An. darlingi breeding and malaria transmission [16]
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