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

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.