Application Of Geographic Information System (Gis) For Assessing The Risk Of Lassa Fever In Umuahia South, Abia, Nigeria:- Micah Uchechukwu B

ABSTRACT with a focus on the rodent Mastoniys natalensis at risk of possible Lassa Fever outbreak. The study xi Lassa Fever virus (LFV) is a zoonotic virus pathogen that causes acute viral haemorrhagic fever in humans and constitutes a major health problem, particularly in West Africa Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied to assess the environmental risk of Lassa Fever in Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria, and to delineate potential hot spots for possible outbreaks, are the reservoir LFV. The data used for this study were both primary and secondary data. The primary data were generated from field visits and observations aided by a digital camera. The secondary data source includes: internet Web Search and importation of digital maps from other GIS platforms. Data analysis was carried out at Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology GIS unit. Software used for the analysis was ArcGIS 10.7.1 (2019 edition). Epidemiologic criteria chosen for spatial analysis included; waste dumpsites, rural settlements, vegetation cover of Umuahia South and 10 administrative wards in Umuahia South. Results show features ofthe locality (risk factors) that suggests incidence of Lassa Fever and highlights the potential ofGIS for landscape epidemiological research. The proximity analysis based on the movement range of the vector Mastomys natalensis operated at distances 500m, 1500m showed settlements that fall within the buffer range from dumpsites. The point distance analysis based on the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) used at distances 1000m, 2000m to indicate wrong siting of such dumpsites. The identified built-up areas within the buffer range of 500m from dumpsites location showed that Obinubi Amuzu Ubakala, Laguru Ubakala, Alaocha Ubakala, Umugwo Mgbarakuma Ubakala, Ekwomadu villa, Umubioko, Avonkwu, Itu Olokoro, Itu Mgbedeala, Itaja Obohia, Umutowe Olokoro are concluded that improper waste disposal and poor sanitation contributes to survival ofMastomys natalensis the reservoir host and thus potentiate occurrence ofthe outbreak. Recommendations were made for fiirther research to determine the presence of the LFV in Mastomys natalensis the reservoir host in the study area. Also, there is need of collaborative efforts of all concerned agencies to design and implement ways to tackle this menace