Predicting Potential Legionnaires’ Outbreaks Using GIS
Location
Old Dominion University, Learning Commons at Perry Library, Room 1311
Start Date
4-8-2017 9:30 AM
End Date
4-8-2017 9:50 AM
Description
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. It is not contagious by touch but is from breathing in the bacteria. The disease grows in moist climates and in the city, air conditioning serves as the petri dish. The elderly is at the most risk for contracting the disease with frequent usages of air conditioning and cooling towers. This study uses geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the hotspots of cooling towers and community pools in relation to nursing homes and high-elderly population areas. The results show that census tracts with high-elderly citizens and nursing homes are within range of community pools, and cooling towers, increasing their risk of contracting the illness.
Presentation Type
Presentation
Predicting Potential Legionnaires’ Outbreaks Using GIS
Old Dominion University, Learning Commons at Perry Library, Room 1311
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. It is not contagious by touch but is from breathing in the bacteria. The disease grows in moist climates and in the city, air conditioning serves as the petri dish. The elderly is at the most risk for contracting the disease with frequent usages of air conditioning and cooling towers. This study uses geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the hotspots of cooling towers and community pools in relation to nursing homes and high-elderly population areas. The results show that census tracts with high-elderly citizens and nursing homes are within range of community pools, and cooling towers, increasing their risk of contracting the illness.