Geographical structures and the cholera epidemic in modern Japan: Fukushima prefecture in 1882 and 1895
2007

Cholera Epidemic Patterns in Fukushima, Japan

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kuo Chun-Lin, Fukui Hiromichi

Primary Institution: Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan

Hypothesis

The time-ordered cholera diffusion sequence in Fukushima was affected by its geographical setting.

Conclusion

The spatial-temporal patterns of cholera diffusion offer insights into regional change in modern Japan.

Supporting Evidence

  • The 1895 cholera report is considered more accurate and complete due to improved disease recording systems.
  • Changes in diffusion patterns between 1882 and 1895 reflect improvements in the Fukushima transportation system.
  • The study identified five diffusion systems for the 1882 outbreak and four for the 1895 outbreak.

Takeaway

This study looks at how cholera spread in Fukushima, Japan, in the late 1800s and shows that geography played a big role in how the disease moved.

Methodology

GIS-based techniques were used to analyze diffusion routes and visualize outbreak dynamics.

Limitations

Data accuracy issues and uncertain boundaries limited efforts to model historical disease diffusions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-072X-6-25

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