Mapping the impact of air travelers on the pandemic spread of (H1N1) influenza

Abstract

GIS was used for visualization and exploratory spatial analysis to provide insight into the outbreak of H1N1 in the USA during May 2009 to July 2009 period. The data was analyzed in two forms: spatial exploration and temporal exploration. The methodology involved studying the death pattern through the use of population density and the death count; overlaying the death cases onto the population density layer at county level provided useful information about the spatial nature of mortality cases throughout the USA. It was found that during the 3 months, two major death peaks took place, one in June and the other in July. June also experienced the highest death toll followed by July and May. The paper is concerned with exploring several factors that contribute to the spread of a pandemic. Exploring the spatial pattern of death cases across the counties and States of United States to get a thorough understanding of the factors participating in the H1N1 related casualties. It was possible to analyze relationship between the number of deaths and number of flights from Mexico during the outbreak.