GIS initiatives in improving the dengue vector control

Abstract

The Hong Kong Government has been conducting a dengue fever surveillance program using ovitraps for several years. In the current practice, the disease patterns and vector trends are mapped with the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) and analyses are then performed to identity buildings having potential danger of a higher Aedes Albopictus infestation. This chapter has two objectives: (1) to review the methodology adopted in this control in Hong Kong, and (2) to propose a GIS based approach to enhance the management and monitoring of the disease, with consideration of temporal, environmental and climatic factors. This study could be important to local communities and countries using ovitraps as a means of controlling dengue infection.