Scientists at State University of New York publish new data on respiratory syncytial virus epidemiology
2007 NOV 20 -- Data detailed in 'The relationship of meteorological conditions to the epidemic activity of respiratory syncytial virus' have been presented. "Our aim was to obtain knowledge of how meteorological conditions affect community epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To this end we recorded year-round RSV activity in nine cities that differ markedly in geographic location and climate," scientists writing in the journal Epidemiology and Infection report. "We correlated local weather conditions with weekly or monthly RSV cases. We reviewed similar reports from other areas varying in climate. Weekly RSV activity was related to temperature in a bimodal fashion, with peaks of activity at temperatures above 24-30 degrees C and at 2-6 degrees C. RSV activity was also greatest at 45-65% relative humidity. RSV activity was inversely related to UVB radiance at three sites where this could be tested. At sites with persistently warm temperatures and high humidity, RSV activity was continuous throughout the year, peaking in summer and early autumn. In temperate climates, RSV activity was maximal during winter, correlating with lower temperatures. In areas where temperatures remained colder throughout the year, RSV activity again became nearly continuous. Community activity of RSV is substantial when both ambient temperatures and absolute humidity are very high, perhaps reflecting greater stability of RSV in aerosols. Transmission of RSV in cooler climates is inversely related to temperature possibly as a result of increased stability of the virus in secretions in the colder environment," wrote S. Yusuf and colleagues, State University of New York. The researchers concluded: "UVB radiation may inactivate virus in the environment, or influence susceptibility to RSV by altering host resistance." Yusuf and colleagues published their study in Epidemiology and Infection (The relationship of meteorological conditions to the epidemic activity of respiratory syncytial virus. Epidemiology and Infection, 2007;135(7):1077-90). Additional information can be obtained by contacting S. Yusuf, State University of New York at Buffalo and Women and Children's Hospital, State University of New York at Buffalo and Women and Children's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatrics, Buffalo, NY USA.. The publisher of the journal Epidemiology and Infection can be contacted at: Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Keywords: United States, Buffalo, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Infectious Disease, Pulmonology, Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This article was prepared by Health Risk Factor Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Health Risk Factor Week via NewsRx.com.
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