Identifying high-risk regions for schistosomiasis in Guichi, China: a spatial analysis.
Schistosomiasis epidemic is reemerging in some areas of China. The extensive snail habitat is a major challenge for a sustainable schistosomiasis control. Direct surveillance on snails for the disease control is no longer a desirable disease control approach due to current low density of infected snails and reduced funding. In this study the benefit of indirect monitoring of acute schistosomiasis cases, using spatial methods including disease mapping and spatial clustering analysis was explored in Guichi, China. Significant global clustering existed for acute cases and two statistically significant spatial clusters were detected, and subsequently validated by field surveys. Our study indicates that the application of geographic information system (GIS) and spatial methods are useful in the epidemiologic surveillance and risk assessment for acute schistosomiasis, providing an alternative approach with minimal funds required.
Zhang
Zhijie
Z
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.
Carpenter
Tim E
TE
Chen
Yue
Y
Clark
Allan B
AB
Lynn
Henry S
HS
Peng
Wenxiang
W
Zhou
Yibiao
Y
Zhao
Genming
G
Jiang
Qingwu
Q
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*