Objective To estimate the relationship between climate and measles incidence in Zhangye.
Methods Data were collected on conventional meteorological parameters (1976-2005) and dust weather (1976-2000) in Zhangye, dust weather in Jiuquan and Jinta (to the upstream northwest of Zhangye) (1989-2000), and corresponding measles incidences. Yearly, seasonal, and monthly correlations were examined between meteorological conditions/dust weather and measles incidences using SPSS software.
Results (1) During 1976-2005, the climate of Zhangye changed to be warmer and moister with a increment rates of 0.571℃/10 years for temperature and 9.8 mm/10 years for precipitation. (2) High incidence waves of measles were observed in spring. (3) The average wind speed had a positive correlation with measles incidence. No significant correlations were identified between measles incidence and factors like temperature, precipitation, and air pressure. (4) The dust weather in Zhangye and its upstream regions (Jiuquan city and Jinta county) was positively correlated with the incidence of measles in Zhangye.
Conclusion There is a significant positive correlation of the incidence of measles with average wind speed or dust weather. It can be concerned with that strong wind could make the dust particles diffuse widely, which might be a carrier of measles viruses.
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