A risk analysis of vector borne disease in Mobile County, Alabama using GIS and remote sensing

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) predominantly affect the eastern United States' coastal plains region. Although these viruses infect a wide range of animals they are generally maintained in nature through a bird-mosquito cycle. Mobile County, AL has had sporadically reported human cases of EEE and WNV infections within recent years. In an effort to track the diseases, the Mobile County Health Department uses sentinel flocks to identify areas where the vector is present; however, this effort is limited by the number of sentinel flocks. This project provided new insight through the use of NASA Earth Observing Systems (EOS). By focusing on the individual components that make up the chain of infection of WNV and EEE, the study identified areas of increased risk for the genesis of a vector born disease outbreak. Utilizing land-use land-cover, soil moisture, topography, and precipitation demographic data collected by NASA EOS, partner satellites, and ground based sensors, likely areas of vector and reservoir habitats were assessed. By overlaying these habitats, likely areas of infected vectors were identified. At-risk communities were identified based on Census Bureau data, high risk facilities, and the predicted infected vector habitats. Data and results from this project were provided to the Mobile County Health Department – Department of Vector Control to assist future vector management practices.