Effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of <i>meningococcal</i> meningitis

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesSubstantial climate changes have led to the emergence and re-emergence of various infectious diseases worldwide, presenting an imperative need to explore the effects of meteorological factors on serious contagious disease incidences such as that of meningococcal meningitis (MCM).MethodsThe incidences of MCM and meteorology data between 1981 and 2010 were obtained from Chaoyang city. Structure Equation Modeling was used to analyze the relationships between meteorological factors and the incidence of MCM, using the LISREL software.ResultsThe SEM results showed that Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI) = 0.30, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.63, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.31. Humidity and temperature both had negative correlations with MCM incidence, with factor loads of −0.32 and −0.43, while sunshine was positively correlated with a factor load of 0.42. For specific observable variables, average air pressure, average evaporation, average air temperature, and average ground temperature exerted stronger influence, with item loads between observable variables and MCM incidence being −0.42, 0.34, −0.32, and −0.32 respectively.ConclusionPublic health institutions should pay more attention to the meteorological variables of humidity, sunshine, and temperature in prospective MCM control and prevention.

Epidemiological study of bacterial meningitis in Tunisian children, beyond neonatal age, using molecular methods: 2014-2017

“…Bacterial meningitis is a major concern for public health worldwide and especially in developing countries 5 , 16 , 20 , 21 . This study describes the distribution of the three main causative bacteria of meningitis cases in Northern Tunisian children beyond neonates, after the reintroduction of Hib vaccination, and before the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination, from January 2014 to June 2017.…”

Estudo epidemiológico sobre meningite bacteriana no Brasil no período entre 2009 a 2018

“…In concerning MM, the distribution of notified cases by the number of inhabitants in each Region did not reach statistical significance, making the high values encountered in the aforementioned Regions unjustifiable as a function of population volume. Thus, it is important to note that the number of cases might have suffered influence from other aspects, such as South and Southeast's colder climate and lower humidity 23 , as well as better notification routines in these Regions.…”

Effect of climate change on cerebrospinal meningitis morbidities and mortalities: A longitudinal and community-based study in Ghana

“…We found sunshine to be a key driver of CSM outbreaks in the communities. A high sunshine promotes the survival and transmission of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacterial that causes cerebrospinal Meningitis [38]. Sunshine also suppresses the immune system of human beings when they are exposed to it during the day.…”