Population of Rodent and Leptospirosis in Humans: Spatial Aspect of Epidemiology

Abstract

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria and is transmitted from animals to humans. Leptospirosis can be spread by rodents. In the health aspects, rats play a role as carriers or reservoirs of various diseases transmitted to humans. Apart from leptospirosis, many other infectious diseases can be transmitted through rodents. One of the places where rodents are found in high numbers is the traditional market. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the density of rats and ectoparasites in the market and settlements around it. Method: In the area of the market building, 50 traps were installed, while in the settlements surrounding the market, 64 traps were installed. This was a descriptive research study with survey method and cross-sectional approach. Also, the research was based on Geographical Information System (GIS). Results: The relative density of rats in the one traditional market was found to be 7%, while it was 11.8% in the surrounding settlements. Conclusion: The conclusion is that all the places had a possibility of vector-borne diseases despite the low density of rodents.