Light pollution affects West Nile virus exposure risk across Florida

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Epidemiology
• Ecology

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose global threats, often linked to human-induced environmental changes.
• Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive anthropogenic factor potentially affecting host and vector behavior and physiology, influencing disease dynamics.
• West Nile virus (WNV) emergence is typically associated with peri-urban areas, but the specific role of ALAN requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between artificial light at night (ALAN) and West Nile virus (WNV) exposure risk in sentinel chickens.
• To compare the influence of ALAN on WNV risk relative to other urbanization factors.
• To identify key environmental drivers of WNV risk.

Main Methods:

• Statistical modeling of WNV exposure in sentinel chickens in Florida.
• Analysis of nonlinear relationships between ALAN levels and WNV prevalence.
• Control for urbanization variables like impervious surface and human population density.

Main Results:

• A significant nonlinear relationship was found between ALAN and WNV exposure risk in chickens.
• Peak WNV risk was associated with low levels of artificial light at night.
• ALAN effects on WNV exposure were stronger than impervious surface or human population density.
• Ambient temperature in the preceding month was a strong predictor of WNV risk.

Conclusions:

• Artificial light at night (ALAN) may significantly contribute to the spatio-temporal variation of West Nile virus (WNV) risk.
• Further research into ALAN's impact on other vector-borne diseases is warranted.
• Understanding ALAN's ecological effects is crucial for predicting and managing emerging infectious diseases.