EXPLORING THE LINKS BETWEEN HYDROLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND EPIDEMIOLOGY THROUGH NETWORK ANALYSIS

Our research focuses on West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito borne disease of concern in the U.S. Since first introduced to the U.S in 1999, the virus has become endemic and is a threat to public health. The hydrological understanding of the role that water plays with respect to mosquito breeding sites is essential for mitigating the disease risks. In our study, we applied network analysis to study the climatic, hydrologic, and socio-environmental factors influencing the virus dissemination in each climate divisions in the U.S. Specifically; we analyzed the inter-annual surge of disease risks and the regional variability of disease incidences in the continental U.S. Network analysis has proven to be a useful tool for visualizing the similarities in disease dynamics among the climate divisions. Our preliminary analyses have suggested that areas more susceptible to human infections from the virus are those with higher percentage of crops, grass, shrub, and the low percentage of small surface water bodies as well as where populations are aging and decreasing. The years with a surge in the numbers of WNV cases are mostly associated with hot and dry climate conditions. Amplifications of the virus occurs in locations where water abundance is low or the climate is dry. In these settings, mosquitoes and their hosts are likely to share the same water bodies and transmit the virus to each other. This analysis will improve our understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of disease transmissions. Work of this kind is important because many problems are associated with hydrogeologial aspects. This kind of focus exemplifies Dr. Schwartz’s career in hydrogeology. A look at his recent study interests in pothole lakes and megacities show that his research ambitions extend beyond conventional hydrogeology. He has always encouraged me to look for new ideas and directions. Frank, as a member of my Ph.D. committee, really inspired my work on the new application of hydrogeology to the field of public health.