Conference Papers
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This collection contains abstracts of conference papers, presented at local and international conferences by the staff of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Evaluation of the spatial and temporal trends of dengue outbreaks in Akurana, Central Province, Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2015) Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L.; Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Iqbal, M.C.M.; Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Najim, M.M.M.; Amerasinghe, U.S.; Abeyewickreme, W.Renowned as the world's fastest growing vector borne disease, dengue has become one of the major health issues in Sri Lanka leading to an alarming concern due to recent outbreaks throughout the country. Despite the immense efforts taken by the relevant authorities to reduce the rate of mortality, the average number of dengue cases recorded in each year remains around 30,000-35,000 without being changed significantly over time in Sri Lanka. Investigation of the trends in spatial and temporal distribution patterns of dengue is often treasured in the drafting and implementation of management/action plans to ensure effective management of dengue epidemics at regional scale. Thus, a statistical and geo informatics based analysis of the recent trends in dengue distribution was carried out to identify spatial and temporal trends in distribution patterns of Dengue in the Akurana Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area. Monthly records of reported dengue cases from 2010 to 2014 of the Akurana MOH area were obtained and were subjected to a scatter plot analysis in MINITAB (version 14.12.0) to identify the temporal patterns in the recorded dengue cases. Spatial maps of the recorded dengue case distribution in each GND for each month and for the whole study period were prepared by using Arc GIS 10.1. The spatial and temporal variations of dengue outbreak distribution within the Akurana MOH (at GND level) were analyzed to identify the recent trends in dengue incidence. Akurana, Bulugahathenna, Dippitiya, Dunuwila, Konakalagala and Neeralla localities could be identified as areas with relatively high risk to dengue outbreaks throughout the study period, while localities such as Balakanduwa, Delgasgoda, Delgasthenna, Malgamandeniya, Marahela, Palleweliketiya and Udawelikatiya emerged as areas with low risk. As suggested by the results of the paired-Chi square test [>Χ2 (30, 0.95) = 43.773], the emergence of dengue outbreaks indicated a significantly declining trend of recorded dengue cases in most of the GNDs (Aswadduma, Delgasgoda, Kurugoda, Malgamandeniya, Palleweliketiya and Walahena etc.) during the recent years. The evaluation of the trends in temporal and spatial distribution of dengue outbreaks at the localized level, could be recommended as a useful tool in the planning and implementation of action plans to control the rise of dengue, while evaluating the efficacy of already implemented control measures at regional scale.Item Geographical Information System (GIS)-based maps for monitoring of entomological risk factors affecting transmission of Chikungunya in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 2008) Hapugoda, M.D.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Jayasooriya, G.A.J.S.K.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Abeyewickreme, W.INTRODUCTION: Chikungunya is an important mosquito-born viral infection in Sri Lanka at present. OBJECTIVE: To prepare OUS-based maps Tor monitoring of entomological risk Factors affecting transmission of chikungunya. RESEARCH DESIGN: Entomological risk factors affecting transmission of chikungunya were examined in a chikungunya hot-spot in the District of Kandy, Sri Lanka from April to July in 2008. Hundred house-holds in 33 clusters were recruited. The distant between clusters was at least 200m which is beyond the maximum flight range of Aedes mosquitoes, the vectors of chikungunya. Monthly surveillance was conducted using standard entomological surveillance methods followed by obtaining information through a pre-tested questionnaire. G1S was used to map the selected house¬holds and display entomological data. RESULTS: GIS-based maps were developed to highlight the spatial and temporal distribution of vectors, their density and the presence of key breeding sites. Maps showed the presence of high density of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in more than 90% of the key (artificial) breeding habitats in all clusters throughout the study period. DISCUSSION: Generalized high density of Ae. albopictus suggests that this species may play a major role in transmitting chikungunya in the study area. GIS-based 'maps may be used as an important tool to find out spatial and temporal distribution of vectors, their density and key breading sites in a selected hotspot, which would enable cost effective and efficient interventions for vector control in disease endemic areas.Item Cost analysis of application of Poecilia reticulata (guppy) and temephos in anopheline mosquito control in river bed pools below the major dams in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2004) Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Karunaweera, N.D.; Wijeyaratne, M.J.S.Item Occurrence of a dengue epidemic in Minipe valley of the Kandy district: evidence for Aedes albopictus being an epidemic vector of dengue in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011) Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Jayasooriya, G.A.J.S.K.; Abeyewickreme, W.; Hapugoda, M.D.Item Factors affecting transmission of chikungunya using Geographical Information System (GIS)(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009) Hapugoda, M.D.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Jayasooriya, G.A.J.S.K.; Abeyewickreme, W.Transmission of chikungunya has been observed in many parts of Sri Lanka during the past few years. The objective of this study was to identify possible factors affecting transmission of chikungunya in a high risk area and to intervene and monitor those using GIS. Entomological, environmental, socio-economic and other possible factors were examined with regard to a chikungunya hot-spot in Kandy municipality for 12 months starting from April 2008. Hundred house-holds from 33 clusters were recruited. The distant between each cluster was maintained at a minimum of 200 m. Micro level approaches for collection of position, population, environmental, socio-economic and other related information were performed at each house-hold through a pre-tested questionnaire. Monthly entomological and epidemiological surveillance were conducted for 12 months. Digital topographical maps and meteorological information were obtained. GIS was used to map the selected households and to highlight the spatial and temporal distribution of factors under study. Selected risk area was an urban area where homesteads were the major land use pattern. The weather pattern of the study area was typical that of the Wet Zone. Entomological surveillance conducted showed the presence of high density of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in more than 90% of the key (artificial) breeding habitats. Socio-economic data revealed although all house-holds have a sound knowledge on transmission on dengue including preventive measures, they were less concerned about the key mosquito breeding sites. GIS maps generated during the study showed distribution of these identified factors in all clusters. House index and man hour density of Ae. albopictus showed a positive correlation with rainfall, with a lag period of 2 and 3 months. The generalized high density of Ae. Albopictus suggest that this species may play a major role in transmitting chikungunya in the study area. In conclusion, the presence of high density of Ae. albopictus and lack of concern about key mosquito breeding sites in all clusters may be important risk factors. GIS-based maps can be used as an important tool to find out spatial and temporal distribution of possible risk factors in a selected hotspot, which would enable health authorities to prioritize implementation of control activities in a cost effective mannerItem Disease transmitting mosquito species breeding in water storage tanks in Kandy, Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2005) Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Wickremasinghe, D.R.; Jayasooriya, G.A.J.S.K.Item Sensitivity of different larval collection methods in dengue vector surveillance in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Jayasooriya, G.A.J.S.K.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.