Use of GIS in Detection of Epidemics

Prof Jitendra ShahGISE Lab ,CSE Deptt, IIT Mumbai

Rahul GawaiMSc, Pune University

Generated using CDC Epi Map 2000 for Windows, a public domain package that can be downloaded from: http://www.cdc.gov/epiinfo/EI2000.htm)

A Classic Story:Dr. John Snow (1813-1858)

• The relevant 1854 London Streets

• Location of the Deaths from

Cholera

• The position of 13 water pumps

Systematic Application of

Geographical Information

Added Value: Cholera Control

Population based orientation rather than

patient based

Mind is like a parachute.

It doesn’t work unless it’s open

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

Febru

ary0

102030405060708090

100

1

15 1623

39

8778

32

5 2

Months

Noof DF cases

4

Figure No.-10

Dengue Transmission by Month

5

Figure No.-12

Direction of Spread

6

Figure No.-13

Direction of Spread

mayjune

july

augu

st

september

october

november

december

january

february

march

april

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

10

20

30

4050

60

70

8090

0

35.760.1

204.8

54.2

137.9

0 0 0 0 0 01

15 1622

37

8076

32

5 2 0 0

Series2

DF Cases

DF

Case

s

Rain

fall

in m

m

Months

7

Figure No.-14

DF and Rainfall

How can we achieve this

• Every day, Pathology laboratories will enter information regarding patients using online form developed by us. (dengue, malaria) To be mandated by authorities.

• Every day, health workers can access area wise list of patients and visit their homes to collect additional details (symptoms, latitude/longitude using mobile) Facilitated by mobile with GPS.

• Every day, WebGIS based maps of various diseases will be updated online from data available at that time.

• Day to day deviation in progress of disease in location specific visual reports will help the community and health department to take preventive measures

• Alerts can be created for respective stake holders

Advantages

• Effort and time of health workers for visiting pathology laboratories will be saved.

• Same form can be used by all hospitals and doctors who are not currently reporting cases.

• One form can be used for all communicable diseases.

• Data entry / analysis at health department will be automated.

• Health workers can use their resources for preventive measures.

• The solution is quick, economical and easy to use for all stakeholders.

Technology can help reduction in human suffering…!!

Thank You.