MAPPING SPREADING OF RABIES CASE AREA WITH THE GIS (GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMASION SYSTEM) METHOD IN SIKKA DISTRICT PROVINSI EAST NUSA TENGGARA

Abstract

Rabies remains a significant zoonotic disease and a major public health concern in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, due to the high dog population, low vaccination coverage, and free-roaming dog management practices. This study aimed to map the spatial distribution of rabies cases using a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify high-risk areas and support the development of more effective control strategies. A quantitative descriptive study with a spatial approach was conducted using GIS. Secondary data on rabies cases reported during 2023–2024 were obtained from the Department of Agriculture of Sikka Regency and analyzed through spatial mapping, buffer analysis of health service facilities, and regional stratification based on rabies status. The results showed that in 2023, rabies cases were distributed across 15 sub-districts, comprising 39 case locations and 66 laboratory-confirmed positive specimens. In 2024, the affected area expanded to 17 sub-districts; however, the number of case locations and positive specimens decreased to 33 and 41, respectively, indicating the positive impact of rabies control measures, particularly mass vaccination. Buffer analysis demonstrated that most case locations were within the service coverage of health facilities, while regional stratification successfully classified areas into rabies-free and rabies-infected zones to support priority setting for interventions. In conclusion, GIS is an effective tool for visualizing the spatial distribution of rabies and provides valuable information for surveillance, vaccination planning, and evidence-based rabies control in Sikka Regency. Regular updating of GIS-based surveillance integrated with the One Health approach is recommended to strengthen sustainable rabies prevention and elimination programs.