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Expansion of the dengue transmission area in B razil: the role of climate and cities
Author(s) -
Barcellos Christovam,
Lowe Rachel
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12227
Subject(s) - outbreak , dengue fever , geography , transmission (telecommunications) , metropolitan area , population , socioeconomics , ecology , demography , biology , virology , archaeology , sociology , electrical engineering , engineering
Objectives To examine the spatial and temporal patterns of the recent expansion of dengue transmission area in B razil (2001–2012) with the aim to identify pathways and constraints to dengue diffusion. Methods Synthetic indicators were calculated to characterise timing (year of first dengue outbreak), permanence (number of years with dengue outbreaks) and intensity (outbreak occurrence). The indicators were used to map dengue diffusion and compare cities within different climatic zones, with varying population densities. Results Currently, a large portion of the country comprises a dengue transmission area, but cities situated in the mesothermal zone, in the south, and remote areas, in the north, are relatively exempt. Diffusion waves are spread from metropolitan areas towards medium and small cities generating outbreaks in their influence region. However, long‐term permanence of transmission depends on the existence of a favourable climate, abundant population and connectivity. Conclusions Large and warm cities sustain and spread dengue viruses, for which specific dengue control measures must be developed. The concentration of outbreaks along climate transition fringes indicates a boundary between two transmission regimes and raises awareness to the effects of ongoing climatic and socio‐economic changes.