Spatio-temporal variation of dengue in Kozhikode District, Kerala: A medico geographical study

Abstract

Dengue is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally A. aegypti. The Study area of Kozhikode is located between north latitude 1107’22” and 11048’32’’ and east longitude 75030’ and 7608’20”. The purpose of selection of the study area is to investigate the spatial distribution of Dengue and temporal variation of age and sex wise variation between 2016 and 2017 and to detect the endemic regions of dengue fever and its relationship between climate and surrounding environment. Secondary data were analyzed with the help of “Z” score techniques and mapping of the disease using the Arc GIS. The analysis of Dengue fever revealed that there is a high incidence among males (57%). The age structure of the DF patients revealed that 15- 30 age group is the worst affected. The study has identified fluctuation of dengue cases and environmental parameters played a major role in Dengue occurrence.