A geo medical analysis of dengue cases in Madurai city-Tamilnadu India

Abstract

The identification of areas of health and disease zones of Madurai city can lead one to associate the factors of social and physical environment that are identified with both. The spatial distribution of diseases is still a matter of importance and mapping plays a huge role in the field. Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue has become an important public health problem worldwide. It affects tropical and subtropical regions around the world, predominantly urban and semi urban areas. The present study considers the potential impact of vector borne infections on human health. In Madurai, dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever have shown an increasing trend. The study area of Madurai is located in South Tamilnadu, India. This study aimed to map the spatial distribution of dengue cases in Madurai city. This study analyzed dengue cases from 2013 to 2015 in different precincts of Madurai city. The main aim of this study is to locate the distribution of vector born diseases in the study area and associate with “Z” Score variation based on GIS techniques. Identification and interpretation of spatial variations resulting from such distribution suitable policies and decisions for an effective health care planning. The study has shown that by using GIS; it’s 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 programs in identifying and prioritizing their efforts in effective dengue control activities.