GIS-based risk map analysis of Leishmaniasis disease in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Prediction of Leishmaniasis risk based on socio-environmental factors and its possible spatial relationships is investigated in a Leishmaniasis endemic area of Isfahan, Iran. The Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to link the spatial and significant socio-environmental indicators with the disease data. Using fuzzy AHP weighting method five classes of risk categories ranging from “very low” to “very high” are identified. Spatial analysis is performed to determine the contribution of several environmental factors to the prevalence of the Leishmaniasis disease, and produce a GIS-based risk map showing the relative disease distribution risk level over the study area.