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Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Spread of the tiger: Global risk of invasion by the mosquito Aedes albopictus

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Benedict MQ, Levine RS, Hawley WA, Lounibos LP
2007
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 7 (1): 76-85

Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is currently the most invasive mosquito in the world. It is of medical importance due to its aggressive daytime human-biting behavior and ability to vector many viruses, including dengue, LaCrosse, and West Nile. Invasions into new areas of its potential range are often initiated through the transportation of eggs via the international trade in used tires. We use a genetic algorithm, Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production (GARP), to determine the ecological niche of Ae. albopictus and predict a global ecological risk map for the continued spread of the species. We combine this analysis with risk due to importation of tires from infested countries and their proximity to countries that have already been invaded to develop a list of countries most at risk for future introductions and establishments. Methods used here have potential for predicting risks of future invasions of vectors or pathogens.

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Resource Description

    Ecosystem Change, Human Conflict/Displacement, Precipitation, Temperature
    • Ecosystem Change, Human Conflict/Displacement, Precipitation, Temperature: Variability
    General Geographic Feature
    Global or Unspecified Location
    Infectious Disease
    • Infectious Disease: Vectorborne Disease
      • Vectorborne Disease: Mosquito-borne Disease
        • Mosquito-borne Disease: General Mosquito-borne Disease
        Mosquito-borne Disease
      Vectorborne Disease
    Exposure Change Prediction
    Inter-Annual (1-10 years)
    Research Article
    Adaptation
    • Adaptation: Adaptation Co-Benefit/Co-Harm, Early Warning System, Vulnerability Assessment
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