Through our outreach efforts we have attempted to make the public and groups such as the New York State Department of Health more aware of the issues and complexity of the West Nile virus (WNV)transmission cycle. Our research to date has provided new ideas and methods for prevention and control of these medically important mosquitoes. This information may contribute to public knowledge in New York state about how to avoid infection and reduce dangerous mosquito populations on private property. We will develop a system for predicting and monitoring risk of mosquito vectors, WNV transmission, and human health risk that public health professionals can readily use for decision-making. This system will provide a mechanism for early warning of WNV risk and serve as a model for other existing and future vector-borne disease risks for which competent vectors are already present in the United States.

Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are increasing in number and impact on a global scale. In addition, emerging infections are becoming an increasing threat to the global community, including the citizens of New York state. There is a critical need to develop new and novel approaches to understanding, managing, and potentially eliminating these deadly vector-borne diseases.

We are conducting a variety of studies to determine the blood-feeding habits of the mosquito species involved in human transmission of West Nile and Dengue viruses. We are also obtaining valuable data on where these species are most likely to breed and where and the time of year when they are most abundant. The time of day for feeding can be determined once the important species are incriminated. We have begun gathering temperature-dependent development data for local mosquito strains, creating models using existing data, and have conducted interviews among public health professionals to further refine their needs.

Our research results to date have identified several key weaknesses in our knowledge of vector-borne diseases. We have taken a lead in addressing complex issues that are beyond the immediate ability of other agencies (such as the New York State Dept. of Health) to address. We initiated a dialogue and relationship with professionals working on control of vector-borne diseases and plan to continue disseminating our results for these groups to employ in their surveillance and control activities. Furthermore, our work on a global scale with the Grand Challenges in Global Health project allows us to place all vector biology and novel control/intervention needs in a broad and international perspective.