Spatial correlation of dengue outbreak based on climate change in Selangor

Abstract

Dengue fever is an infectious mosquito borne disease that impacts the population globally. It also creates concern on the public health system in Malaysia as well as in most tropical countries around the world. Little is known that climate change is associated with dengue. The main goal of this study is to analyse the spatial correlation of dengue cases based on climate changing condition in Selangor using Geographic Information System (GIS). The correlation of climate change and dengue cases is based on the calculation of temperature value in Selangor was mapped based on the weekly number of dengue cases for three years. This study analysed dengue cases reported in 2013, 2014 and 2015 within Selangor. The data were collected from various government health agencies. Kernel Density estimation was used to analyse the hotspot location for dengue cases. Then, Landsat 8 was used to obtain the value of temperature in the process of attaining the correlation value between temperature and dengue cases. The result identified the hotspot location of dengue cases for three years in Selangor. In addition, the distribution timeline and trend significant analysis on the relationship between temperature and dengue cases on 2013, 2014 and 2015 were also acquired. The study has shown that by integrating spatial analysis using GIS, it is possible to improve the understanding on 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.