How much does light pollution alter vector disease transmission at scale?

Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognised as a global change driver due to its widespread use and ecological impacts. ALAN influences mosquitoes under laboratory conditions, altering the biting propensity of diurnal Aedes mosquitoes while suppressing that of nocturnal Anopheles species complexes, the primary malaria vectors in Africa. This study models ALAN's effects on mosquito vectorial capacity using the R package AnophelesModel, incorporating lab and field data on mosquito biting behaviour and light sources. Findings suggest ALAN may influence malaria transmission dynamics, underscoring the need for further investigation at household and larger ecological scales. However, small reductions in biting propensity alone mean ALAN has a smaller impact compared to other interventions.