The Project:

The relationship between ecological and human health is often ignored in developed countries due to the availability of medical facilities, surveillance and support during epidemics. However, in places such as Cuba, Honduras, and Haiti, this interdependence between our environment and our health is more apparent,  especially in poor communities.

It is estimated that 64% of new and emerging infectious diseases in humans, are thought to have originated within animal species. Understanding this relationship between human health and ecological health is vital in implementing the steps that can be taken to eradicate or prevent transmission. It is important to acknowledge the effect of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) that primarily affect under developed or marginalized areas of the world.  Due to developing countries having extremely low transmission rates, the social aspects of why these diseases cannot be eradicated in Latin America will also be discussed. 

The diseases chosen for this project range from nonepidemic to epidemic scaled diseases, chosen by the resulting effect on communities. Both zoonotic diseases and neglected zoonotic diseases will be used within the project to compare treatment and prevention strategies. Relative information can be found on each disease, as well as case studies and pattern of transmission. Additionally, specific countries will be used to outline the importance of medical facilities and surveillance in these often forgotten parts of the world. 

About the Data: The data used within this project comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Pan American Health Association (PAHO). The accuracy and completion of the data depends on the individual countries surveillance system. Due to some countries in Latin America not having an adequate surveillance system, the data has the ability to be under reported, over reported, or not reported at all.

How to Use the Maps: Maps show incidence rates or other relevant information for the diseases. Hovering over specific countries will give the exact number of cases recorded for that country. The time period can be changed by using the legend on the lower left side of each map.