A location-specific spreadsheet for estimating Zika risk and timing for Zika vector surveillance, using US military facilities as an example

US Army Med Dep J. 2017 Jan-Jun:(1-17):34-46.

Abstract

Local Zika virus transmission in the United States involving one or both of the known vector species, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, is of major concern. To assist efforts to anticipate the risks of transmission, we developed an Excel spreadsheet tool that uses vector and virus temperature thresholds, remotely sensed maximum temperature, and habitat suitability models to answer the questions: "is Zika transmission likely here?" and "when should we conduct vector surveillance?" An example spreadsheet, updated regularly and freely available, uses near real-time and forecast temperature data to generate guidance, based on a novel four level Zika risk code, for 733 US military facilities in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti; Aedes albopictus; Excel; Risk; Zika.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / virology*
  • Animals
  • Ecosystem
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Facilities*
  • Models, Biological
  • Mosquito Vectors / virology*
  • Remote Sensing Technology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • United States
  • Zika Virus / physiology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / transmission*