14 May ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO STATES OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT IS USING GIS AND MACHINE LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND RODENT POPULATION IN WAKE OF HANTAVIRUS EMERGENCE
Published on May 14, 2026
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the Essex County Office of Public Health Management is expanding its use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), predictive analytics and machine learning technologies to prepare for emerging public health emergencies such as the Hantavirus. Since the virus was first detected April 6th on the MV Hondius cruise ship, the Office of Public Health Management has been closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization and turning to its recent studies involving the rodent population in Bloomfield to raise awareness about public health precautions. It should be noted that there have not been any cases of hantavirus reported in Essex County or New Jersey as of this date.
“This technology initially was being used by our public health team to get a better understanding of the rodent population so we could control its growth. Now, with the hantavirus, we are relying on the data even more because it could help mitigate the spread of disease,” DiVincenzo said. “After COVID, we realize how important promoting public health has become and we need to utilize all the tools at our disposal to keep our residents healthy and safe. I support our public health office for taking the lead and integrating technology into their toolbox,” he added.
Building upon nationally recognized GIS initiatives, Essex County is integrating advanced spatial analysis and emerging machine learning methodologies to identify rodent activity trends, environmental risk factors, complaint clusters, sanitation concerns, and potential disease transmission patterns before they escalate into larger public health issues.
The initiative supports a growing national movement recognizing rodent control as critical public health infrastructure rather than solely nuisance abatement. Recent national studies have emphasized the importance of integrating surveillance systems, preparedness planning, and environmental health data into municipal rodent control programs.
“Our goal is to move from reactive enforcement to predictive public health,” said Maya Harlow, Health Officer and Director of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. “By leveraging GIS mapping, machine learning, and environmental intelligence, Essex County is creating a smarter and more proactive approach to protecting communities. These technologies allow us to identify patterns earlier, target resources more effectively, and better protect residents from environmental conditions
that can contribute to disease and quality of life concerns. Public health is evolving, and Essex County is committed to staying ahead through innovation, science, and data-driven decision making,” she added.
The enhanced system utilizes multiple data streams including:
· Environmental complaint trends
· Housing and sanitation indicators
· Weather and seasonal patterns
· Waste management and illegal dumping data
· Infrastructure and construction activity
· Historical rodent activity reports
· GIS hotspot mapping and spatial clustering
Machine learning technologies are increasingly being adopted globally to support vector and zoonotic disease surveillance, environmental forecasting, and outbreak prediction. Current research demonstrates that predictive models using geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence can significantly improve targeting of public health interventions and resource deployment.
Essex County’s approach aligns with the broader One Health framework, which recognizes the connection between environmental conditions, animal populations, and human health outcomes. Recent geospatial modeling studies have highlighted the importance of integrating environmental, human, and infrastructure data to better identify public health risks and improve community resilience.
The County’s GIS-driven public health strategies have already supported initiatives involving communicable disease response, environmental investigations, lead surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health equity planning. The rodent surveillance modernization effort represents the next phase of Essex County’s investment in data modernization and environmental health innovation.
In addition to improving response times, the predictive platform will help guide:
· Targeted inspections and mitigation
· Community education initiatives
· Strategic deployment of environmental health resources
· Coordination with municipal public works and sanitation departments
· Identification of overburdened neighborhoods requiring intervention
National and international studies continue to demonstrate that environmental surveillance systems supported by predictive analytics can strengthen disaster readiness, disease prevention, and urban resilience.
The Essex County Office of Public Health Management remains committed to utilizing innovation, science, and technology to advance healthier communities and strengthen regional public health preparedness.
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