TITLE:
Spatial Distribution of Dengue Incidence: A Case Study in Putrajaya
AUTHORS:
Mohd Hazrin, Helen Guat Hiong, Nadzri Jai, Norzawati Yeop, Muhammad Hatta, Faizah Paiwai, S. Joanita, W. Othman
KEYWORDS:
Dengue, Incidence, GIS, Spatial Analysis, Malaysia
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.8 No.1,
February
24,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Dengue is a
viral disease transmitted byAedes
aegyptimosquito. Dengue has
become an important public health problem worldwide. It affects tropical and
subtropical regions around the world, predominantly in urban and semi urban
areas. Dengue outbreaks characteristically have been associated with high
rainfall as well as elevated temperatures and humidity. In Malaysia, dengue
fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) have shown an increasing trend.
This study aimed to map the spatial distributions of dengue cases in Putrajaya
through integration of Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial
statistical analyses. Methodology: This study analysed 389 dengue cases from
2013 to 2014 in different precincts in Putrajaya. Data were collected from
various government health agencies. Three spatial statistical analyses [Moran’s
I, Average Nearest Neighbourhood (ANN) and Kernel Density estimation] were used
to accessspatial distribution
cases. Results: Analysis showed dengue cases within the district were highly
clustered and occurred at an average distance of 264.91 meters. Several
locations especially residential areas had been identified as hot spots of
dengue cases in the precinct by using kernel density estimation analysis.
Conclusion: The study has shown that by integrating spatial analysis using GIS,
it is possible to improve the understanding of the distribution of dengue cases
within a particular area. GIS and spatial statistical analyses are important in
guiding health agencies, epidemiologists, public health officers, town planners
and relevant authorities in developing efficient control measures and
contingency programmes in identifying and prioritizing their efforts in
effective dengue control activities.