Investigating the Relationship Between Rainfall and Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Cases in Vanuatu
Abstract
The
escalating
number
of
ciguatera
fish
poisoning
(CFP)
cases
in
Vanuatu
has
become
a
public
health
issue.
Previous
studies
focused
on
tropical
cyclones
and
sea
surface
temperatures
as
potential
causes
CFP;
our
study
aims
to
investigate
the
relationship
between
rainfall
CFP
cases.
We
use
monthly
dataset
(1989–1996)
from
South
Pacific
Epidemiological
Health
Information
Services,
daily
(2021–2023)
Ministry
Health,
data
Meteorology
Geo-Hazard
Department.
also
interviewed
people
about
their
local
knowledge
perceptions
treatments.
Cross-correlation
analysis
was
used
determine
lag
time
cases,
whereas
Rainfall
Anomaly
Index
(RAI)
assessed
variations
patterns.
This
shows
strong
positive
correlation
with
times
ranging
0
8
months.
Interview
highlight
integration
Indigenous
scientific
information
prevention
treatment
practices.
Our
results
emphasize
need
for
improved
surveillance
early
warning
systems.
research
supports
targeted
interventions
policy
measures
mitigate
risks
other
Island
nations.
Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 31, 2025
Language: Английский