Spatial Epidemiology in Action: Insights from Disease Surveillance Programs.

Join us for lunch, learning, and conversation at the next installment of the HEROP Speaker Series on Friday, April 25th, at 12 PM CDT. Lunch will be served from 12-12:30pm, so please join us in person a bit early to eat & mingle!

Csaba Varga, DVM, Msc, PhD,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Friday, April 25th @ 12PM,
via Zoom & In-Person in NHB 2049, Urbana, IL

In this talk, Dr. Varga will explore the application of spatial epidemiology in understanding the distribution and spatio-temporal dynamics of Salmonella infections in humans. Using data collected from disease surveillance programs, the presentation will highlight how spatial and temporal patterns of Salmonella can be identified, modeled, and interpreted to identify risk factors. By integrating spatial analysis with conventional epidemiological methods, this research aims to provide insights for public health authorities to develop focused prevention strategies. Dr. Varga will also discuss how these findings can inform disease control and prevention, with an emphasis on reducing the burden of infections.

About the Speaker

Csaba Varga, DVM, MSc, PhD

Csaba Varga, DVM MSc PhD is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Pathobiology Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. His primary research area focuses on understanding spatial and temporal clustering of infectious diseases and their risk factors. They use spatial and conventional modeling approaches to identify infection risk factors to aid public health authorities in developing disease prevention programs. His laboratory’s mission is to improve the health of people, animals, and the environment through scientific inquiry that identifies the causes of health disparities across time and locations. Dr. Varga teaches each fall, Spatial Epidemiology (PATH/GGIS 560). This is a graduate-level course with a hands-on component that uses real-life examples from public, animal, and environmental health.

In-person or Virtual?

The in-person option is open the University of Illinois community (students, staff, and faculty). We will have lunch for all attendees who RSVP by Wednesday @10am before the event. To register for the in-person option, please access the following link: go.illinois.edu/HEROP-APR25

A virtual option via Zoom is available for the public. To register for the Zoom option, please access the following link: go.illinois.edu/HEROP-ZOOM-APR25

About the Series

The HEROP Speaker Series connects scholars, experts, and innovative thinkers to discuss different conceptual, methodological, and technological facets of public health to better understand the social determinants of health, and how place may influence outcomes. The Healthy Regions & Policies (HEROP) Lab integrates innovative GIScience, public health, and statistical approaches to explore, understand, and promote healthy places. We’re experts in the spatial & social determinants of health. We’re based out of the Dept of Geography & GIScience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.