Temperature variability and outbreak of meningitis and measles in Yola, Nigeria.

Abstract

The influence of temperature on temporal variations of outbreak of meningitis and measles in Yola, Nigeria was examined. Data on monthly maximum temperature and reported cases of the two diseases for a period of 13 years were collected and analysed. The report shows that the reported cases of the two diseases are high between January and April when temperatures are also high. Correlation analysis indicates that the reported cases of the two diseases are positively and significantly related to temperature. Regression analysis suggests that 53% and 79% of the variations in the outbreak of meningitis and measles respectively can be attributed to temperature. Housing conditions in the city also aggravate the effect of temperature. Appropriate measures were suggested to minimise the effects of temperature in the study area.

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Volume , No 1 January (2001) pp. 133-136




KEY WORDS:

Temperature, diseases, measles, meningitis.