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Epidemics. Examining rainfall and cholera dynamics in Haiti using statistical and dynamic modeling approaches
[Source: Epidemics, via ScienceDirect, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
Epidemics, Available online 21 October 2013 - In Press, Accepted Manuscript.
Examining rainfall and cholera dynamics in Haiti using statistical and dynamic modeling approaches
Marisa C. Eisenberg<SUP>a</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>b</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>c</SUP>, Gregory Kujbida<SUP>d</SUP>, Ashleigh R. Tuite<SUP>d</SUP>, David N. Fisman<SUP>d</SUP>, Joseph H. Tien<SUP>a</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>e</SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP>a</SUP> Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University <SUP>b</SUP> Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor <SUP>c</SUP> Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor <SUP>d</SUP> Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto <SUP>e</SUP>Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University
Abstract
Haiti has been in the midst of a cholera epidemic since October 2010. Rainfall is thought to be associated with cholera here, but this relationship has only begun to be quantitatively examined. In this paper, we quantitatively examine the link between rainfall and cholera in Haiti for several different settings (including urban, rural, and displaced person camps) and spatial scales, using a combination of statistical and dynamic models.
Statistical analysis of the lagged relationship between rainfall and cholera incidence was conducted using case crossover analysis and distributed lag nonlinear models. Dynamic models consisted of compartmental differential equation models including direct (fast) and indirect (delayed) disease transmission, where indirect transmission was forced by empirical rainfall data. Data sources include cholera case and hospitalization time series from the Haitian Ministry of Public Health, the United Nations Water, Sanitation and Health Cluster, International Organization for Migration, and H?pital Albert Schweitzer. Rainfall data was obtained from rain gauges from the U.S. Geological Survey and Haiti Regeneration Initiative, and remote sensing rainfall data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.
A strong relationship between rainfall and cholera was found for all spatial scales and locations examined. Increased rainfall was significantly correlated with increased cholera incidence 4-7 days later. Forcing the dynamic models with rainfall data resulted in good fits to the cholera case data, and rainfall-based predictions from the dynamic models closely matched observed cholera cases. These models provide a tool for planning and managing the epidemic as it continues.
Keywords: Cholera; Mathematical modeling; Waterborne diseases; Rainfall; Haiti
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Epidemics, Available online 21 October 2013 - In Press, Accepted Manuscript.
Examining rainfall and cholera dynamics in Haiti using statistical and dynamic modeling approaches
Marisa C. Eisenberg<SUP>a</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>b</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>c</SUP>, Gregory Kujbida<SUP>d</SUP>, Ashleigh R. Tuite<SUP>d</SUP>, David N. Fisman<SUP>d</SUP>, Joseph H. Tien<SUP>a</SUP><SUP>, </SUP><SUP>e</SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP>a</SUP> Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University <SUP>b</SUP> Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor <SUP>c</SUP> Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor <SUP>d</SUP> Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto <SUP>e</SUP>Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University
Abstract
Haiti has been in the midst of a cholera epidemic since October 2010. Rainfall is thought to be associated with cholera here, but this relationship has only begun to be quantitatively examined. In this paper, we quantitatively examine the link between rainfall and cholera in Haiti for several different settings (including urban, rural, and displaced person camps) and spatial scales, using a combination of statistical and dynamic models.
Statistical analysis of the lagged relationship between rainfall and cholera incidence was conducted using case crossover analysis and distributed lag nonlinear models. Dynamic models consisted of compartmental differential equation models including direct (fast) and indirect (delayed) disease transmission, where indirect transmission was forced by empirical rainfall data. Data sources include cholera case and hospitalization time series from the Haitian Ministry of Public Health, the United Nations Water, Sanitation and Health Cluster, International Organization for Migration, and H?pital Albert Schweitzer. Rainfall data was obtained from rain gauges from the U.S. Geological Survey and Haiti Regeneration Initiative, and remote sensing rainfall data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.
A strong relationship between rainfall and cholera was found for all spatial scales and locations examined. Increased rainfall was significantly correlated with increased cholera incidence 4-7 days later. Forcing the dynamic models with rainfall data resulted in good fits to the cholera case data, and rainfall-based predictions from the dynamic models closely matched observed cholera cases. These models provide a tool for planning and managing the epidemic as it continues.
Keywords: Cholera; Mathematical modeling; Waterborne diseases; Rainfall; Haiti
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