Trends, Seasonal variations and meteorological condition in the outbreak of varicella among university students in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Introduction: The reason for higher susceptibility in younger adult in tropical settings were poorly understood and may related to properties of varicella virus sensitive to heat, climate, population density and risk of exposure. Objectives: This study was under taken to assess the Trends, Seasonal variations and meteorological condition in the outbreak of varicella among university students in Tamilnadu. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted with Medical records of 256 cases admitted with chicken pox for  period of 4 years. The data on variables such as year of study, month and seasonality of occurrence cases, temperature and humidity were analyzed. Results: Number of cases was less during autumn (July to September) in all four years. It was observed that the number of varicella cases increased with the increase in temperature and decrease in humidity. Conclusion: The trend in the incidence of varicella cases is definitely influenced by the meteorological conditions.