Spatial and temporal variability of respiratory syncytial virus disease seasonality in Japan, 2012-2024.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding infectious disease seasonality is crucial to inform immunization timing and risk communications. This study aimed to describe trends in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasonality in Japan by determining thresholds across 47 prefectures using public health surveillance data.

Methods

Weekly RSV cases per sentinel (CPS) is the main indicator used in Japan. Data from approximately 3000 pediatric sentinel sites were extracted for 2012-2024. Seasonal, advisory, and alert thresholds were established via two globally utilized methods (moving epidemic methods [MEM] and fixed threshold method). Based on the established seasonal threshold, onset/duration was examined for each season during the study period.

Results

The fixed threshold method was final

SUBMITTER: Arashiro T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12743260 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature