Ricardo Cortez, Tulane University


An agent-based spatial model of mosquito behavior in West Nile Virus

Abstract: We present a computational model to explore spatial heterogeneity on the encounter rate between mosquitoes (vectors) and birds (hosts) in the context of West Nile virus transmission. The model includes behavioral rules for the motion of host-seeking vectors, a spreading odor plume generated by resting hosts, non-uniform wind conditions, and randomness due to small-scale effects. The behavior of the vectors and the spatial arrangement of the resting hosts are varied to measure the number and distribution of mosquito-bird encounters.

Address: Mathematics Department, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118. Go to Professor Cortez' website.