Epidemiological investigation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Vellore district in South India using Geographic Information Surveillance (GIS)

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Public Health

Background:

• Geographical Information Surveillance (GIS) is a key technology for epidemiological modeling.
• Understanding COVID-19 spread patterns is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply GIS for analyzing COVID-19 spread patterns and identifying hotspots in the Vellore district, South India.
• To assess the urban-rural burden and demographic distribution of COVID-19 cases.

Main Methods:

• Geocoding of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to June 2021.
• Generation of spatial maps to visualize disease distribution.
• Correlation of time trends, urban-rural burden, and age-sex distribution with outcomes.

Main Results:

• A total of 45,401 COVID-19 cases were recorded across two waves.
• Incidence rates increased from 462.8 to 588.6 per 100,000 population between waves.
• The first wave showed epicenters in urban areas with radial spread, sparing rural regions. Case fatality rate increased with age.

Conclusions:

• GIS is effective for predicting pandemic trends and spread patterns.
• Real-time mapping using GIS aids in developing risk mitigation strategies to prevent rural spread.