Abstract ID: 121
Authors:
Sunna Vyatra Hutagalung
Anita Zaitunah
Erna Budhiarti Nababan
Rita Rosmala Dewi
Muhammad Daniel Azlan bin Mahadzir
Jonas Karlstr ¶m
Affiliations:
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien, Indonesia; SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
Abstract:Introduction: Leptospirosis has shown to cause fever, liver or kidney failure, and even death in humans particularly those residing in tropical countries. In agriculture, it can create economic loss, as it can cause abortion and decreased milk production among farm animals. Six Indonesian provinces in Java reported confirmed leptospirosis, with 920 cases and 122 reported deaths in 2019. In North Sumatera, an area with tropical climate and high rainfalls, surveillance on wild rodents showed infestation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. covered up to 33.9% prevalence and necessitates a smart and targeted monitoring approach. Method: RodentWatch platform is a platform that provides end-to-end approach for leptospirosis management. Secondary data on case reports, community risk factors, and awareness levels from health and veterinary aspects were collected to initiate its development. Furthermore, spatial layers of key biophysical factors were prepared as inputs to create a leptospirosis risk prediction model. Alongside, a digital storytelling strategy was developed to raise awareness among community and stakeholders. Results: Preliminary data shows that leptospirosis is not part of the main targeted work programs among local stakeholders despite its risk. Through small survey among local residents, most respondents (58.6%) have encountered wild rodents wandering around their neighborhood, yet most were not aware of leptospirosis as rodent-borne disease. Furthermore, reported data found positive leptospirosis cases among pets from a local veterinary clinic, indicating underreported situation and potential active risk of transmission to farm animals. From early development of digital storytelling, pilot trial showed community has improved understanding of leptospirosis and its associated risk such as poor hygiene and temperate environment. Conclusion: Comprehensive and smart approach is needed for leptospirosis management. Rodentwatch is a platform that has the potential to spearhead management from the ground to the health system.
Keywords: Climate Change and Planetary Health, Leptospirosis, Rodent, Management, Community, Comprehensive
