Researchers are using mathematics to study different ways of reducing or eliminating the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases to humans.
A flock of flying mosquitoes. Drunk blood and hungry mosquitoes. Silhouette, graphic image. Vector, isolated on white background Photo Credit: Getty Royalty-Free Getty Royalty-Free
In many parts of the U. S., the frigid month of January isn’t the time most people think about mosquitoes. However, with the U. S. government shutdown already the longest in U. S. history (as of this writing) thinking about warmer months (including the biting insects they bring) might be a welcome relief.
Mac Hyman is an applied mathematician at Tulane University in New Orleans and a past president of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). His tries to «find ways that math can help make the world a better place,» he said.
Hyman began mathematically modeling the spread of infectious diseases in the 1980’s. Back then, he studied the spread of HIV. His recent research focuses on using the power of mathematical modeling to inform mosquito control aimed at preventing the spread of Zika, dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
Here’s the scoop:
The mosquito Aedes aegypti, commonly called the yellow fever mosquito, » is the primary species responsible for transmitting viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya between people. In some communities, other mosquitoes may also contribute to transmission, but their contribution is minor,» according to the World Mosquito Program, a not-for-profit initiative that focuses on protecting people from mosquito-borne diseases.
There’s a type of maternally-transmitted bacteria called Wolbachia pipientis that’s naturally present in about 60% of insect species, including some species of mosquitoes. That bacteria inhibits the transmission of certain pathogens to humans. However, Wolbachia isn’t naturally found in A.
