Evaluation of Zika Vector Control Strategies Using Agent-Based Modeling

Aedes Aegypti is the vector of several deadly diseases, including Zika. Effective and sustainable vector control measures must be deployed to keep A. aegypti numbers under control. The distribution of A. Aegypti is subject to spatial and climatic constraints. Using agentbased modeling, we model the population dynamics of A. aegypti subjected to the spatial and climatic constraints of a neighborhood in the Key West. Satellite imagery was used to identify vegetation, houses(CO2 zones) both critical to the mosquito lifecycle. The model replicates the annual fluctuation of adult population sampled through field studies and approximates the population between 1 per 12m during summer and 1 per 59 m during winter. We then simulate two biological vector control strategies: 1) Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal gene (RIDL) and 2) Wolbachia infection. Our results support the sustainability of Wolbachia infection within the population from the year of treatment onto the next. For the assessment of these two strategies, our approach provides a realistic simulation environment consisting of male and female Aedes aegypti, breeding spots, vegetation and CO2 sources.