Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases: Climate, Landscape, Transmission and Scale

Uriel Kitron's talk draws from a career in eco-epidemiology of infectious diseases that has spanned at least five systems: dengue, Chagas disease, malaria, schistosomiasis and West Nile virus in Atlanta and in Chicago. He studies the transmission dynamics and ecology of the insect vectors and the mammalian and avian reservoir hosts, incorporating a strong field component (trapping vertebrates, collecting insects, identifying environmental features), spatial analysis, and laboratory work. His talk touches on global health research emphasizing anthropogenic changes, including issues of climate, urbanization, agricultural practices and conservation.