Abstract
Using geo-referenced case data, we present spatial and spatio-temporal cluster analyses of the early spread of the 2013–2015 chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Dominica, an island in the Caribbean. Spatial coordinates of the locations of the first 417 reported cases observed between December 15th, 2013 and March 11th, 2014, were captured using the Global Positioning System (GPS). We observed a preponderance of female cases, which has been reported for CHIKV outbreaks in other regions. We also noted statistically significant spatial and spatio-temporal clusters in highly populated areas and observed major clusters prior to implementation of intensive vector control programs suggesting early vector control measures, and education had an impact on the spread of the CHIKV epidemic in Dominica. A dynamical identification of clusters can lead to local assessment of risk and provide opportunities for targeted control efforts for nations experiencing CHIKV outbreaks.
Highlights
Chikungunya is an acute febrile illness that can cause incapacitating joint pain, high fever and skin rash
We present a spatio-temporal analysis of the spread of chikungunya virus in Dominica, an island in the Western Hemisphere, using geo-referenced case data
The findings in this study suggest that females are at higher risk for chikungunya virus transmission in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd
Summary
Chikungunya is an acute febrile illness that can cause incapacitating joint pain, high fever and skin rash. There are no estimates of the global burden of chikungunya, country-specific estimates have been as high as 45.26 DALYs (Disability adjusted life years) per million for India, where it is endemic [1]. Chikungunya is caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne pathogen that is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes [2,3,4]. Due to human movement and abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Americas, an estimated one million people were infected with the virus within one year of its introduction [13]
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