Role of human movement in relation to popular spots in the spatiotemporal dimension of vectorial arbovirus transmission? (ArboviroseTrans )

With this project, we will provide new insights on vectorial arbovirus transmission dynamics, specifically on the role of human movement and frequentation of popular spots. The arboviruses targeted are dengue, Zika and chikungunya. As the Aedes mosquito does not fly far and bites during day time, we hypothesize that the fact of people moving during the day to popular spots (where infected mosquitoes are present), represents a key in the transmission dynamics and we will demonstrate this using a multidisciplinary approach. In case-control studies, we will evaluate the association between popular spots and movement patterns of clinical cases versus controls at three points in a seasonal outbreak. The data collected on the entomological infestation , the mosquito arbovirus infection rates and day-time population density, will provide the characterization of the popular spots. This, together with the quantification of collective human movement dynamics related to popular spots will allow us to identify potential arbovirus transmission spots. After evaluation of spatial clustering, spot-specific exposure risk for an individual and the transmission rate in the popular spots will be estimated to confirm our hypothesis. In this case, the knowledge gained in this project, will be used to re-design Aedes control strategies towards a more targeted approach. The information gathered in this project will serve for further research on viral epidemiology and evolution dynamics.

Project type:PhD project