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An investigation into spatial vulnerable factors for dengue epidemics using GIS in the Matara District in Sri Lanka

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Geography, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka

Int. Res. J. Medical Sci., Volume 5, Issue (6), Pages 1-8, September,28 (2017)

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyses the geo-spatial pattern of dengue epidemic in Matara district in Sri Lanka. In the Matara district of Sri Lanka dengue epidemic has been a public health problem over the past fifteen years continuing as a major health hazard, particularly in urban as well as sub urban areas in the District. Municipal Council is the main town area of the District, which was led towards the urbanization. This was selected as study area since the area was recorded as the high risk area and majority of dengue cases during the period from the 1997-2013. The spatial distribution pattern of dengue are very few studies in Sri Lanka using the GIS technics. The use of GIS technology is very helpful to recognize the spatial and temporal distribution of dengue in the district it will be the most important in this way. GIS mapping the volume of dengue patients reported the most of the affected areas were located settlements and stagnating water loggings. The increasing of the number of dengue cases reported in the main city of the district. Dengue is restricted to a remarkably specific environmental factors in the district. Further, this study aim purpose to reach and result indicate the affected areas include low, moderate and high risk areas. GIS knowledge could be utilized for the mapping purposes of the area and it helps to identify the most risk areas in the eradication process of dengue menace. The research has been revealed that GIS knowledge is important to create operational maps which could be utilized for the dengue vector control agencies to identify that most hazard and risk areas in the eradication process of dengue. It was revealed that there was a high tendency of spreading dengue epidemic within the MMC limit once in three years since 1987. The study shown that there was a high trend spreading the dengue vectors especially during the rainy season. It was evidenced spread of the disease was mainly caused by the human factors as well as the environmental factors. Matara city which is administrated by MMC has a high population density, lack of a properly maintained drainage system has been identified as a major physical factor in the transmission of the disease rapidly. The main natural drainage system which flows via Hittatiya releases its water to the Nilwala River. But due to the different circumstances water remains in certain areas. A proper flowing process could not be seen there because of garbage collection. Therefore, the researcher was compelled to name, Hittatiya West, Fort, Isadeen Town and Kotuwegoda GNDs as dengue hotspot through GIS analysis.

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