International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Date: 2012/06/01 - 2012/06/01, Location: Paris

Publication date: 2012-01-01
Volume: 66 Pages: 1735 - 1746

World academy of science, engineering and technology

Author:

Amirpour Haredasht, Sara
Taylor, C James ; Maes, Piet ; Verstraeten, Willem ; Jan, Clement ; Miguel, Barrios ; Katrien, Lagrou ; Marc, Van Ranst ; Pol, Coppin ; Daniel, Berckmans ; Jean-Marie, Aerts

Abstract:

Abstract-Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a human infection caused by Puumala virus (PUUV), which is naturally carried and shed by bank voles (Myodes glareolus). The objective of this paper was to develop a method that allows prediction 3 months ahead of the occurrence of NE epidemics. We use a dynamic linear regression model. In Belgium no time series of the bank voles’ population dynamics were available. The population of bank voles is related to the variation of seed production of beech and oak trees. The NE occurrence in Belgium was predicted by remotely sensed phenology parameters of broad-leaved forests, together with the oak and beech seed categories and average monthly air temperature (°C). NE outbreaks in Belgium were predicted three months ahead with a 40% MRPE. Such a predictive modelling approach might be used as a step towards the development of new tools for the prevention of future NE outbreaks.