Recent Trends in Mathematics of Vector-borne Diseases and Control (Part 1)

Organizers:

Abba Gumel (University of Maryland), Alex Safsten, Arnaja Mitra (both University of Maryland)

Description:

Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus, constitute over 17%% of all infectious diseases of humans, with malaria (which causes in excess of 600,000 deaths annually, mostly in children under the age of five) being the most important of these diseases. These vectors are typically controlled by using insecticide-based control measures, and their lifecycle (and those of the pathogens they vector) are greatly affected by changes in local climatic conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity. This minisymposium brings together researchers to discuss the recent advances in modeling the spread and control of vector-borne diseases. Some of the topics to be discussed include whether or not the recent quest to eradicate malaria is feasible using currently-available insecticides-based control resources, assessing the impact of insecticide and drug resistance on vector population abundance and the intensity of the disease they cause, assessing the potential for alternative biocontrol measures (such as sterile insect technique and the use of Wolbachia infection-based measures and the release of gene drives, such as CRISPR-Cas9) to control vector species, assessing the impact of climate change on the distribution and abundance of vector species etc.

Diversity Statement:

Our proposed minisymposium aims to provide a platform for voices across career stages, field of research, and institutional affiliations. The invited speakers include early-career researchers and established experts, with particular attention to underrepresented groups in our discipline. This symposium reflects our belief that diverse perspectives strengthen the scientific community and lead to more impactful research outcomes.