Spatial-temporal clustering analysis of yaws on Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea to enhance planning and implementation of eradication programs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the global program for the eradication of yaws, assessments of the prevalence of the disease are used to decide where to initiate mass treatment. However, the smallest administrative unit that should be used as the basis for making decisions is not clear. We investigated spatial and temporal clustering of yaws to help inform the choice of implementation unit.

Methodology/principal findings

We analyzed 11 years of passive surveillance data on incident yaws cases (n = 1448) from Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea. After adjusting for age, sex, and trends in health-seeking, we detected three non-overlapping spatial-temporal clusters (p < 1 × 10(-17), p = 1.4 × 10(-14), p = 1.4 × 10(-8)). These lasted from 28 to 47 months in duration and each encompassed between 4 and

SUBMITTER: Mooring EQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6224128 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature