Aedes albopictus: a spatial risk mapping of the mosquito using geographic information system in Iran

The ever-increasing emergence of Aedes albopictus as one of the most significant vectors of arboviruses like Zika, chikungunya, and dengue requires deeper studies in new areas using environmental factors. Almost 2 billion people in tropical and subtropical zones are exposed to the vector. Because of the vector’s tendency to reproduce in a variety of habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas, the species is spreading rapidly wherever a set of climatic factors is available. Iran as a country of diverse climates and biomes with more than 80 million population is highly prone to the disease. Hence, this study aims to monitor the risk probability of the mosquito’s presence according to the environmental parameters in Iran. In this research, we classified each parameter based on the appropriate conditions for the breeding and activity of the vector. To calculate the weight of each parameter, we applied analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as an expert-based decision-making method and risk map generated using spatial analysis. Finally, to classify the values of the risk map and finding the most important risk areas, we performed a grouping analysis. The result showed that 5 coastal counties in Guilan province in the north and 6 counties in Khuzestan province in the southwest of Iran were ranked first and second riskiest places, respectively. Due to the semi-tropical climate of the coastal areas, they record a suitable pattern of contributing parameters for the presence of the vector. These findings help for the public health policymakers to control the invasion of Aedes albopictus to estimate the related disease occurrence.