Spatial and Temporal Clustering of Chikungunya Virus Transmission in Dominica.

• Published in: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: Elaine O Nsoesie, R Paul Ricketts, Heidi E Brown, Durland Fish, David P Durham, Martial L Ndeffo Mbah, Trudy Christian, Shalauddin Ahmed, Clement Marcellin, Ellen Shelly, Katharine Owers, Natasha Wenzel, Alison P Galvani, John S Brownstein
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2015
• Subjects: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003977; https://doaj.org/article/fa1b3321bfb34e6989728a9c0762cb3f

Using geo-referenced case data, we present spatial and spatio-temporal cluster analyses of the early spread of the 2013-2015 chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Dominica, an island in the Caribbean. Spatial coordinates of the locations of the first 417 reported cases observed between December 15th, 2013 and March 11th, 2014, were captured using the Global Positioning System (GPS). We observed a preponderance of female cases, which has been reported for CHIKV outbreaks in other regions. We also noted statistically significant spatial and spatio-temporal clusters in highly populated areas and observed major clusters prior to implementation of intensive vector control programs suggesting early vector control measures, and education had an impact on the spread of the CHIKV epidemic in Dominica. A dynamical identification of clusters can lead to local assessment of risk and provide opportunities for targeted control efforts for nations experiencing CHIKV outbreaks.