Microclimates, land cover, and socioeconomic vulnerability shape Anopheles hotspots in Maryland, USA.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anopheles mosquitoes pose notable public health concerns as competent vectors of malaria and other diseases. Although malaria is no longer endemic in the United States, recent locally acquired cases in states including Maryland highlight the need to better understand Anopheles dynamics in the region. This study aimed to identify geographic hotspots of Anopheles presence in Maryland and evaluate how land cover, microclimatic conditions, and socioeconomic vulnerability shape their spatial and temporal distribution.

Methods

Monthly Anopheles occurrence data (1999-2024) from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) were aggregated at county and Census Block Group (CBG) scales. Counties were ranked by mean annual presence to identify hotspots. Associations with

SUBMITTER: Ibebuchi CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12817407 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature