22 Feb Math Models Show How Mosquitoes Spread Diseases
How Mosquitoes Spread Disease – Under the Microscope Mosquitoes are not simply just a nuisance; they also can carry and transmit infectious diseases that are harmful to our health. The Zika virus, dengue fever and Chikungunya are just a few of the most well-known diseases that mosquitoes can carry. Mosquito-borne illnesses are a constant threat and are putting our population at risk for outbreaks. Scientists and researchers are using mathematical models to better understand how mosquitoes spread diseases, and to calculate the risk of infectious outbreaks in various climates and environments. The Facts According to research professionals, mathematical models can help them understand how mosquitoes spread diseases by gaining a thorough understanding of how mosquito development, survival and behavior are influenced by different environmental variables. Once mosquitoes are hatched, males usually survive less than one week, while female mosquitoes can live up to a couple of months in ideal conditions. For females, they...