Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-06, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Kangkang Chang
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0354331
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
West Nile virus disease is an acute infectious illness caused by infection with the West Nile virus, which was first isolated from the blood of a febrile patient in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937. In recent decades, West Nile fever has continued to expand across endemic regions globally, with no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine currently available for prevention. This study examines the finite-time stability of a stochastic West Nile virus model. Initially, the boundedness, existence and uniqueness of the solution are established. Furthermore, by constructing a Lyapunov function and utilizing the Gronwall inequality, a sufficient condition for the finite-time stability of the West Nile virus model is derived. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to verify the theoretical results, and the influence of noise intensity, mortality rates and transmission rates on the finite-time stability of the model are analyzed. The results show that the lower the noise intensity and transmission rates, the greater the mortality rates, and the better the system can achieve finite-time stability.
1. Introduction
West Nile virus is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with the West Nile virus, primarily affecting birds, humans, and mammals such as horses and cattle. Birds serve as reservoir hosts for the virus, while humans are predominantly infected through the bites of infected mosquitoes. In 2023, cases of West Nile virus infection were reported in several countries across Europe and the United States, with Italy documenting a total of 336 cases of West Nile fever, resulting in 29 fatalities (http://m.cz.ithc.cn/article/463053). In 2024, multiple countries have also reported deaths attributed to West Nile virus. According to Israel¡¯s Health Ministry, 913 individuals have been confirmed infected with West Nile virus since the outbreak began in June, with a death toll reaching 70. As of September 11, Greece has recorded 162 cases of West Nile virus infection and 25 deaths. Additionally, recent West Nile virus infections have been reported in multiple European countries, including Greece, Italy, and Spain (http://m.cz.ithc.cn/article/463053). Currently, no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is available to prevent the West Nile virus. The most straightforward and effective method to mitigate the risk of infection remains the avoidance of mosquito bites.
Mathematical models [1–8] provide an effective approach for analyzing the pathogenesis of West Nile virus. For instance, Bhowmick et al. [1] examined the influence of migratory bird movement patterns on the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus. Zhu et al. [3] developed a West Nile virus model incorporating seasonality and investigated its dynamics along with optimal control strategies. Maliyoni [5] analyzed a stochastic West Nile virus model, deriving the extinction threshold and identifying conditions that determine whether the disease persists or becomes extinct. Baafi and Hurford [7] explored the effects of temperature and rainfall on disease transmission, highlighting regional differences in vector control effectiveness over time.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Kangkang Chang. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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