Abstract
Background/AimsThe transmission rate of air-borne infectious diseases may vary secondary to climate conditions. The study assessed time trends in the seasonality of hospitalized varicella cases in a temperate region in relation to climatic parameters prior to the implementation of universal varicella immunization.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study was conducted among all pediatric and adolescent varicella patients (n = 2366) hospitalized at the “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital during 1982–2003 in Athens, Greece. Date of infection was computed based on hospital admission date. Seasonal and monthly trends in the epidemiology of varicella infection were assessed with time series analysis (ARIMA modeling procedure). The correlation between the frequency of varicella patients and the meteorological parameters was examined by the application of Generalized Linear Models with Gamma distribution.ResultsDuring 1982–2003, the occurrence of hospitalized varicella cases increased during summer (p = 0.025) and decreased during autumn (p = 0.021), and particularly in September (p = 0.003). The frequency of hospitalized varicella cases was inversely associated with air temperature (p<0.001). In contrast, the occurrence of hospitalized varicella cases was positively associated with wind speed (p = 0.009).ConclusionsPediatric hospitalizations for varicella infection rates have increased during summer and decreased during autumn in the examined temperate region. Time trends in hospitalized varicella cases are associated with climatic variables.
Highlights
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), constitutes a prevalent disease among pediatric populations, in temperate regions [1,2]
The epidemiology of varicella infection is noted to be remarkably different between temperate and tropical regions, with incidence rates being lower in the latter [8,9]
During 1982–2003, 2366 pediatric patients were hospitalized with varicella infection in the temperate region examined
Summary
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), constitutes a prevalent disease among pediatric populations, in temperate regions [1,2]. In temperate European countries, the seropositivity rate of VZV is lower in those Mediterranean countries with the hottest climates of the region [1,15]. Other factors such as population density, nursery attendance and socioeconomic development may influence the epidemiology of VZV in areas where universal vaccination has not yet been implemented [16]. The association between the epidemiological trends in varicella infection and climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, humidity) has mainly been studied in tropical regions [12,17,18,19]. While environmental factors are modified in temperate regions secondary to the ozone phenomenon, the investigation of a possible association with epidemiologic changes in varicella incidence may be vital for designing related evidence-based public health prevention strategies [20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
