Geospatial Analysis of Snakebite Hotspots in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Snakebite is a health problem to persons in agrarian rural environments, and Langtang North Local Government Area is not an exception. A total of 861 reported cases of snakebite incidence were recorded in Langtang North Local Government Area, Plateau State from 2007 to 2019. However, agriculturalists and other fieldworkers have been reported to be at higher risk of snakebite globally. The present study objective is to map the snakebite hotspots within the study area, using Getis-Ord statistics to determine the snakebite hotspots in ArcGIS version 10.1. From the result of hospital records, it can be concluded that the highest number of snakebites incidence was recorded in 2017 with 117 cases, followed by 2008 and 2018 with 109 cases each. The lowest was recorded in 2014 with 33 cases of snakebites. The result of the study showed that Zamko ward with GiZScore of 2.57841 and a small GiPValue of 0.009926 and Nyer ward with GiZScore of 2.776195 and GiPValue of 0.0055 had the most significant hotspot, followed by Mban ward with GiZScore of 2.155089 and lower GiPValue of 0.031155. Kwallak, Kuffen A and Tabat shaded in blue indicating cold spots, due to their negative GiZScores and low GiPValues. Finally, the study recommended that more anti-Snake Venom Centre or hospital should be provided within each ward.