Poliomyelitis and the Weather

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Abstract
In order to detn. whether a correlation exists between the relative humidity of atmospheric air at 90[degree]F and the occurrence of poliomyelitis, studies were made in the District of Columbia and Arlington County, Va., and also in Denver, Col. In the eastern area there was a striking similarity between the polio curves and the humidity curves, with 5 major peaks on the humidity curves followed by 5 corresponding peaks on the polio incidence curve. The epidemic began and declined at a relative humidity of 27-28%. In Denver, considered a semiarid region, in both 1950 and 1951 there was also a close correlation between amt. of relative humidity and poliomyelitis incidence. For the 242 cases reported in 1951 a weekly study was made with respect to relative humidity, rainfall and polio incidence. The high peaks on the avg. humidity curves were followed by high peaks on the polio incidence curves, but, due to the wide variations in the 4 daily readings of relative humidity making up the average, it was not possible to trace fine relationships. Furthermore, the differences in elevation around Denver made it difficult to detn. under what climatic conditions the polio cases were contracted. The relative humidity of atmospheric air at 90[degree] F was apparently more important in the spread of polio than atmospheric temp. per se, and the condition of the upper respiratory tract seemed to play a significant role. For a suitable limited area it appeared possible to predict the probable course of a polio outbreak 2-3 weeks in advance.

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