Methodological Approach to Application of GIS-Technologies for Epidemiological Surveillance by the Example of Leptospirosis

Abstract

In order to optimize application of GIS-technologies for studies of leptospirosis, utilized have been the data on epidemiological and epizootiological investigations of leptospirosis cases in Europe, Ukraine, and Crimea. Described has been a methodological approach to the issue, comprising 4 phases and aimed at enhancement of epidemiological surveillance over leptospirosis. The first stage consists in learning the lessons of previously conducted leptospirosis mapping and specification of peculiarities of the territory. The second one is application of GIS-technologies for epidemiological analysis with a view to outlining the criteria for enzootic territory zoning, to assess dynamic qualitative and quantitative changes of epidemiological process, and estimate the impact of socio-ecological factors on the epidemic and epizootic processes. The third phase is databases creation, (attributive charts) compiled with information on geographically referenced phenomena under discussion (natural leptospirosis foci, sites of host-animal allocation, potentially hazardous areas, morbidity rates, etc.). The fourth one - complex analysis of the software designed maps. Implementation of this methodology makes it possible not only to evaluate epidemiological significance of the foci, to investigate integrated impact of socio-ecological factors on the occasion of population exposure to the infection, but also to carry out zoning of the territory taking into consideration epidemically significant factors. Therewith, it forms scientifically substantiated premises for the development and implementation of prophylactic and anti-epidemic measures.