Application of spatial scan statistics on retrospective data to detect outbreaks of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Hai An and Duong Kinh districts, Hai Phong, 2020 - 2023

Dengue fever is an endemic disease that can lead to major outbreaks in Vietnam. This study aims to describe application of spatial scan statistics on retrospective data to detect outbreaks of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Hai An and Duong Kinh districts, Hai Phong, 2020 - 2023. The study analyzed aggregate dengue data covering 177 weeks (from Week 1/2020 to Week 20/2023). During the retrospective data period, 360 cases were reported from 14 wards of Hai An and Duong Kinh districts, of which 74 cases formed 5 clusters, with the remaining cases being sporadic. The clusters mainly occurred in November each year. Scan statistics should be systematically applied in monitoring dengue fever outbreaks, as the study results demonstrate that scan techniques can effectively detect clusters in the community.