Mapping Risk of Nipah Virus Transmission from Bats to Humans in Thailand

Authors: Aingorn Chaiyes, Prateep Duengkae, Warong Suksavate, Nantachai Pongpattananurak, Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, Kevin J. Olival, Kornsorn Srikulnath, Sura Pattanakiat, Thiravat Hemachudha

Year: 2022

Journal: Ecohealth

DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01588-6

Summary

This paper constructs risk maps for Nipah virus (NiV) spillover and transmission in Thailand by combining ecological niche models for the bat reservoir with spatial data related to NiV transmission sources. The study predicts that due to climate change, the range of Lyle’s flying fox, a significant host of NiV in mainland Southeast Asia, is predicted to expand.

Key Findings

Current and future distribution of P. lylei across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are predicted
Central and western regions of Thailand and small areas in Cambodia are currently the most suitable habitats for P. lylei
Due to climate change, the species range is predicted to expand to include lower northern, northeastern, eastern, and upper southern regions of Thailand, almost all of Cambodia, and lower southern Vietnam

Methodology

Study Type: Ecological Niche Modeling
Geographic Focus: ['Thailand', 'Cambodia', 'Vietnam']

Topics

Nipah Virus, Ecology, Climate Change

Relevance

This study provides important insights into the potential expansion of the range for P. lylei, a significant host of Nipah virus, due to climate change, which could create additional risk areas for NiV transmission.

Source

View the entire paper: File:Nihms-1888516.pdf