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. 2019 Mar;13(2):158-165.
doi: 10.1111/irv.12612. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Influence of meteorological parameters in the seasonality of influenza viruses circulating in Northern Cameroon

Hermann Landry Munshili Njifon  1   2 , Chavely Gwladys Monamele  1 , Cyprien Kengne Nde  3 , Marie-Astrid Vernet  1 , Gake Bouba  1 , Serges Tchatchouang  1   2 , Mohamadou Ripa Njankouo  1 , Raphaël Tapondjou  1 , Louis Deweerdt  1 , Wilfred Mbacham  2 , Richard Njouom  1
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Influence of meteorological parameters in the seasonality of influenza viruses circulating in Northern Cameroon

Hermann Landry Munshili Njifon et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the role of meteorological parameters in the seasonality of influenza viruses in tropical and subtropical regions, most importantly temperature, humidity, and rainfall.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the influence of meteorological parameters in the seasonality of influenza viruses in Northern Cameroon, a region characterized by high temperatures.

Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in Garoua Cameroon from January 2014 to December 2016. Monthly proportions of confirmed influenza cases from six sentinel sites were considered as dependent variables, whereas monthly values of mean temperature, average relative humidity, and accumulated rainfall were considered as independent variables. A vector error correction model was used to determine the relationship between influenza activity and the meteorological variables.

Results and conclusion: Analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between overall influenza activity and influenza A activity with respect to average relative humidity. A unit increase in humidity within a given month leads to more than 85% rise in the overall influenza and influenza A activity 2 months later. Meanwhile, none of the three meteorological variables could explain influenza B activity. This observation is essential in filling the gap of knowledge and could help in the prevention and control strategies to strengthen influenza surveillance program in Cameroon.

Keywords: Northern Cameroon; influenza; meteorological parameters; seasonality.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map showing location of sentinel sites in Garoua. 1 = Souari Integrated Health Center (9.29°N, 13.39°E); 2 = Foulbéré Integrated Health Center (9.29°N, 13.37°E); 3 = Ouro‐Kanadji Integrated Health Center (9.30°N, 13.37°E); 4 = Roumdé‐Adja Integrated Health Center (9.32°N, 13.39°E); 5 = Poumpoumré Integrated Health Center (9.33°N, 13.41°E); 6 = Koota‐Lidjiré Integrated Health Center (9.30°N, 13.40°E)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Monthly distribution of meteorological variables
Figure 3
Figure 3
Monthly distribution of influenza activity
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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