Spatial-Temporal Pattern in Dengue Incidences: Rajkot city, Gujarat

Abstract

Dengue is one of the major public health concern globally. It is a life-threatening viral disease spread by the bite of the virus infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue incidents have grown dramatically across the globe and in India too number of cases are on rise since 2001. During 2015-20, there have been 0.71 million reported cases of Dengue in India. Most of the cases are reported from the urban areas. However, the number of infections may be much higher as testing facilities are limited and are not accessible by the urban poor vulnerable groups. It is important to document, assess and analyse the spatio - temporal distribution of the dengue in the cities. This in turn will help urban authorities to identify dengue hot spots and devise appropriate strategies and focussed interventions for management of Dengue. This study aims to assess the spatio-temporal patterns of dengue in Rajkot City of Gujarat. Data on dengue incidence were obtained from January 2010 to December 2018. Rajkot one of the fastest growing city in Gujarat, and has recorded increasing dengue incidences from 327 cases (2010) to 763 (2018). The study also assess correlation between the concentration of slum pockets and the dengue incidences. Hot-spot areas across the city has been mapped wherein higher incidences have been recorded over the past decade. These areas are required to be prioritized or resource allocation for more efficient prevention and control of dengue. The study maps the spread of Dengue in the city, causal factors, actions taken for dengue prevention and management in Rajkot city.