Local spatial and temporal processes of influenza in Pennsylvania, USA: 2003-2009.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease responsible for annual seasonal epidemics in temperate climates. An understanding of how influenza spreads geographically and temporally within regions could result in improved public health prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to summarize the spatial and temporal spread of influenza using data obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health's influenza surveillance system.

Methodology and findings

We evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Pennsylvania, United States from six influenza seasons (2003-2009). Using a test of spatial autocorrelation, local clusters of elevated risk were identified in the South Central region of the state. Multivariable logi

SUBMITTER: Stark JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3314628 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature