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May 17, 2004 Volume 28, Issue 35 |
West Nile virus causes studied here
A researcher is taking a close look at environmental factors that might promote the spread of West Nile virus, a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Dr. Bill Cooke, an assistant professor of geosciences, is utilizing a $15,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to assess the dangers West Nile poses for individuals-particularly sportsmen, natural resources managers, recreation employees and others whose outdoor activities make them more vulnerable to mosquito attacks.
"West Nile virus can be fatal (to humans), depending on the seriousness of the infection," said Cooke, also an extension specialist with MSU's GeoResources Institute. "The elderly and people with immune system deficiencies are more at risk."
With expertise in remote sensing and GIS-Geographic Information Systems-Cooke is using automated computer software to model geographic and climatic conditions associated with the spread of vectored diseases, those passed from one host to another. Mosquitoes get West Nile from birds and pass it on to humans.
"We need to be looking at environmental causes in Mississippi," said Cooke.
The MSU project-supported by the Geosciences Department, GRI and MSU Extension Service-is part of a broader NIH research program administered by East Carolina University's Southern Coastal Agromedicine Center. Second-year funding is being sought, Cooke said.
"This is applied research that will benefit all Mississippians," said Mark Binkley, geosciences department head. "Our goal three years ago, when we created our new GIS program, was to be able to attract highly qualified members like Bill, who can use this cutting-edge technology to attack modern-day problems."