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1. Evaluating vector mosquito occurrence in residential rain barrels in central Illinois

   https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaf019  

   Cloud, Rebecca_E; Mackay, Andrew_J; Sanchez, Maeli_C; Wangen, Catherine_E; Allan, Brian_F; Yee, ed., Donald (February 2025, Journal of Medical Entomology)

   Abstract Several species of vector mosquitoes (eg Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758), Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895)) complete juvenile development in artificial containers. Rain barrels are green infrastructure tools used to conserve rainwater for outdoor use, though they may also serve as a source of mosquito habitat in residential neighborhoods. To identify rain barrel features, maintenance habits, and other conditions associated with the presence of juvenile mosquitoes (ie month), we conducted periodic inspections of rain barrels at 53 households in central Illinois, USA between June and September 2016. Additionally, we administered a questionnaire to the household study participants. In the first month of the study, a diversity of mosquito species was detected in household rain barrels, but from July to September juveniles of Ae. albopictus were predominant. More than half of inspected households contained at least one mosquito-positive rain barrel within the study period. Using stepwise model selection, the strongest predictors of whether or not mosquito juveniles were detected in rain barrels were the use of a preventative measure (eg Bti, chlorine, goldfish), the presence of a mesh covering on the lid of the barrel, and the month of the year. Additionally, the participant questionnaire revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of immediate elimination methods, but few were aware of the need for long-term preventative maintenance of rain barrels against larval mosquito colonization. These findings provide valuable insight into best practices for mosquito prevention in green infrastructure and highlight the importance of proper maintenance and education to minimize juvenile mosquito habitat. 

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2. Ambient Aerosol Is Physically Larger on Cloudy Days in Bondville, Illinois

   https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00207  

   Flesch, Madison M.; Christiansen, Amy E.; Burns, Alyssa M.; Ghate, Virendra P.; Carlton, Annmarie G. (November 2022, ACS Earth and Space Chemistry)
3. Spatial, Temporal, and Genetic Invasion Dynamics of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Illinois

   https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa047  

   Stone, Chris M; Zuo, Zhen; Li, Bo; Ruiz, Marilyn; Swanson, Jack; Hunt, Jason; Kim, Chang-Hyun; Smith, Rebecca L (March 2020, Journal of Medical Entomology)

   Fonseca, Dina (Ed.)

   Abstract The spread of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse, throughout the United States has implications for the transmission potential of vector-borne diseases. We used a 30-yr data set of occurrence records in Illinois and developed a hierarchical Bayesian model to shed light on the patterns and processes involved in the introduction and expansion along the northern edge of the geographic range of this species. We also collected specimens from 10 locations and sequenced a segment of their mitochondrial COI genes to assess possible introduction sources and geographic patterns in genetic variation present within contemporary populations. We documented an increase in the number of observations throughout the southern and central parts of Illinois over the study period. The process through which this spread occurred is likely only partially due to local dispersal. The probability of successfully overwintering was likewise low, but both these parameters increased over the study period. This suggests that the presence of Ae. albopictus has been largely due to repeated introductions, but that in recent years populations may have become established and are leading to an increase in locally driven dispersal. There was considerable genetic diversity among populations in Illinois, with 13 distinct haplotypes present in 10 sampling locations, several of which matched haplotypes previously found to be present in locations such as Texas or Japan. Further research is needed to understand how the combination of continued propagule pressure and establishment of populations are driving the increase and expansion of this invasive mosquito along its northern distribution limit. 

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4. The digital health divide: Understanding telehealth adoption across racial lines in rural Illinois

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101665  

   Crowe, Jessica; Nikolic-Khatatbeh, Jelena; Li, Ruopu (June 2024, SSM - Population Health)

   Due to long-standing barriers to healthcare access in rural areas, telehealth has been promoted as an effective means of delivering healthcare services. However, there is a general absence of quantitative data showing how geographic residence and race affect telehealth adoption. This study examines variations in telehealth adoption based on race and geographic residence in Southern Illinois using a mail survey. It finds that residents of urban Carbondale, compared to those in rural Cairo, have better access to broadband and are more likely to use telehealth. Respondents significantly differ from each other based on their geographic location of residence and race when it came to using telehealth to save money on travel and to save money on childcare. A significant barrier to telehealth adoption identified across all groups is privacy protection concern. The findings highlight the crucial role of broadband infrastructure in healthcare access and the need for trust in telehealth systems to ensure data privacy. 

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5. Spatial accessibility to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services in Illinois and Chicago, USA

   https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270404  

   Kang, Jeon-Young; Farkhad, Bita Fayaz; Chan, Man-pui Sally; Michels, Alexander; Albarracin, Dolores; Wang, Shaowen (July 2022, PLOS ONE)

   Rosenbaum, Janet E. (Ed.)

   Accomplishing the goals outlined in “Ending the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Epidemic: A Plan for America Initiative” will require properly estimating and increasing access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. In this research, a computational spatial method for estimating access was applied to measure distance to services from all points of a city or state while considering the size of the population in need for services as well as both driving and public transportation. Specifically, this study employed the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method to measure spatial accessibility to HIV testing, treatment (i.e., Ryan White HIV/AIDS program), and prevention (i.e., Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP]) services. The method considered the spatial location of MSM (Men Who have Sex with Men), PLWH (People Living with HIV), and the general adult population 15–64 depending on what HIV services the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for each group. The study delineated service- and population-specific accessibility maps, demonstrating the method’s utility by analyzing data corresponding to the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. Findings indicated health disparities in the south and the northwest of Chicago and particular areas in Illinois, as well as unique health disparities for public transportation compared to driving. The methodology details and computer code are shared for use in research and public policy. 

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