ABSTRACT
Introduction: In this paper, we introduce geographical information systems (GIS) as a tool to study trends in disease spread in time and space. Based on data gathered by the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), we can see where outbreaks of Chickenpox have occurred. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the trends in chickenpox diseases in India between January 2015 and April 2021 using GIS maps. Methods: For the collection of secondary data relating to chickenpox, a free app called collect 5 was used for collecting data weekly from the IDSP website and then storing them in an online server. In this project, variables that needed to be processed with QGIS were combined with table attributes of many shapefiles of India and presented as maps. Results: Between Jan 2015 and May 2021, 1269 chickenpox outbreaks (27,257 cases) have been recorded. Thirty-one deaths have been confirmed, with most occurring in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen states did not report any deaths. According to the seasonally adjusted trend, the number of cases was highest during the months of January and March. Conclusion: In summary, geographic information systems have become an invaluable tool for mapping the hotspots of acute epidemics and planning public health interventions to prevent the spread of these diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background: One health approach for rabies prevention in humans can be done only by targeting the animal source of the virus. Animal bite is the most common mode of transmission of virus to human being. Objective: to describe the epidemiology of animal bite among those attending the animal bite clinic of a tertiary care center of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Methods: This hospital based descriptive study was carried out from March 2015 through February 2016 at Animal Bite Clinic of Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. A preformed and pre tested closed ended questionnaire was used. World Health Organization’s category of animal bite was used to categorize the patients. Results: Males outnumbered females and around 30% were below 20 years of age followed by third decade. Majority of victims were students (31%) and in 61.1% the wound was localized in the lower extremities. Dogs bite was reported in 86% cases. Stray animal bite resulted in 94.2% of category III bites. More than half of the victims were aware of local remedy to be done after bite and practiced it within 30 minutes of bite. Conclusions: Agent, host and environmental factor of animal bite studied in this study indicate that vaccination of animal, abolishing environment favorable for stray animals and awareness of early management of animal bite cases can lead to goal of elimination of rabies.