Spatial-temporal modelling and mapping of discrete and shared hotspots/clusters for Dengue, zika and chikungunya in Samoa

Principal Advisor: Associate Professor Benn Sartorius

Research group page: ODeSI Operational Research and Decision Support for Prevention, Control and Elimination of Infectious Diseases

Organisational unit: UQ Centre for Clinical Research

The project aims to develop a spatial-temporal modelling and mapping approach for identifying and analysing discrete and shared hotspots/clusters of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya in Samoa. By integrating data on disease occurrence, immunity markers, vector and environmental factors, and human distribution, the project aim to understand the dynamics and interactions between these mosquito-borne diseases. Using advanced statistical and geospatial techniques, the project will identify areas where each disease occurs independently (discrete hotspots) as well as areas where two or more diseases overlap (shared hotspots). By examining the temporal patterns, the researchers will assess how these hotspots evolve over time and identify potential factors contributing to their persistence or emergence. This research will likely have significant implications for disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies for these 3 diseases in Samoa. By identifying and characterizing the hotspots/clusters, public health authorities can allocate resources more effectively, target interventions, and implement timely measures to reduce the burden of these diseases. The spatial-temporal modelling and mapping approach developed in this project can also serve as a valuable tool for other regions facing similar challenges in managing multiple mosquito-borne diseases.