OXFORD University researchers are using mapping techniques to predict which countries are most likely to be affected by diseases carried by mosquitoes including yellow fever and the Zika virus.
Dr Moritz Kramer, at Oxford University’s Department of Zoology, is predicting where two key species of mosquito will spread over an immediate, medium and long-term time-scale.
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The researchers have used 35 years of historic data, together with 17 of the highest-regarded climate change models to create a tool for public health officials.
Dr Kramer said: "By combining data on the history of mosquito species spread, human population movements and climatic factors we have been able to reconstruct and predict the future of these disease-carrying mosquitoes.
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"We hope that these high resolution maps will be used to target specific geographic areas for surveillance, control and elimination of these harmful mosquito populations."
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