Spatial Mapping Of The Dengue Risk Areas To Improved Environmental Health Risk Identification in Penang, Malaysia Through The Geographic Information System (GIS) Application

In Malaysia, the incidence of Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) have risen dramatically in the last twenty years. With the used of the Geographical Information System an explanation for the spread and control of these diseases can be obtained. This study aims to develop a spatial modeling that can predict the risks for DF and DHF based on environmental factors such as physical surroundings, land use and GIS application. A crucial feature of this study is a risk area map for incidence of DF and DHF in the study areas, (in the scale of 1 to 10). This study also highlights the application of spatial physical environment and land use in planning and implementing the process for the prevention and control of DF and DHF. The experience gained from this study can be used in the prevention and control of other vector-borne diseases such as malaria and chikungunya.