Combating WNV through an integrated One Health approach (WNVcomat) – TP 4: One Health & Climate modelling

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that poses a public health risk, causing febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections in humans. WNV spreads increasingly in Europe and the intensity of outbreaks are being exacerbated by climate change. Critical gaps remain in understanding WNV ecology and outbreak management.

This project seeks to understand the interactions between WNV vectors, avian hosts, human infection rates, land cover, and climate change at fine temporal and spatial scales and is coordinated by the Charité, Berlin, encompassing 6 sub-projects. Sub-project 4 One Health and Climate modelling will incorporate data from mosquito and bird sampling, and human and environmental factors into a multi-host eco-epidemiological model to understand host-vector networks and pathogen epidemiology in the metropolitan area of Berlin in light of climate change. This will serve as a model for other at-risk cities in Germany and beyond. We will also develop and feed a mosquito-population model into the eco-epidemiological model. 

Key research questions include the spatial distribution and temporal variation of WNV transmission risk in Berlin, and the impact of changes in bird diversity, mosquito abundance, and the urban heat island effects. Theoutcomes aim to provide an online platform depicting the monthly and local WNV risk in a high spatial resolution. It will also inform public health officials, physicians, and stakeholders about prevention strategies to protect vulnerable people.