Dynamics of influenza in tropical Africa: Temperature, humidity, and co-circulating (sub)types.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The association of influenza with meteorological variables in tropical climates remains controversial. Here, we investigate the impact of weather conditions on influenza in the tropics and factors that may contribute to this uncertainty.

Methods

We computed the monthly viral positive rate for each of the 3 circulating influenza (sub)types (ie, A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B) among patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in 2 Ugandan cities (Entebbe and Kampala). Using this measure as a proxy for influenza activity, we applied regression models to examine the impact of temperature, relative humidity, absolute humidity, and precipitation, as well as interactions among the 3 influenza viruses on the epidemic dynamics

SUBMITTER: Yang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6005592 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature