title: Mapping of mosquito breeding sites in malaria endemic areas in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The application of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the study of vector transmitted diseases considerably improves the management of the information obtained from the field survey and facilitates the study of the distribution patterns of the vector species.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a study to assess remote sensing data as a tool for vector mapping, geographical features like rivers, small streams, forest, roads and residential area were digitized from the satellite images and overlaid with entomological data. Map of larval breeding habitats distribution and map of malaria transmission risk area were developed using a combination of field data, satellite image analysis and GIS technique. All digital data in the GIS were displayed in the WGS 1984 coordinate system. Six occasions of larval surveillance were also conducted to determine the species of mosquitoes, their characteristics and the abundance of habitats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Larval survey studies showed that anopheline and culicine larvae were collected and mapped from 79 and 67 breeding sites respectively. Breeding habitats were located at 100-400 m from human settlement. Map of villages with 400 m buffer zone visualizes that more than 80% of Anopheles maculatus s.s. immature habitats were found within the buffer zone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study amplifies the need for a broadening of the GIS approach which is emphasized with the aim of rejuvenating the dynamic aspect of entomological studies in Malaysia. In fact, the use of such basic GIS platforms promote a more rational basis for strategic planning and management in the control of endemic diseases at the national level.
authors.affiliation: Medical Entomology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. rohania@imr.gov.my
authors.forename: Rohani
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Wan N W M
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Zurainee M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Nor
authors.forename: Zamree
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ismail
authors.forename: Azahari A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hadi
authors.forename: Mohd N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: Lee H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000254:growth & development*; D001947:Breeding; D004199:Disease Vectors; D017753:Ecosystem; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005843:Geography; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods