Influence of humidity on rotavirus prevalence among Nigerian infants and young children with gastroenteritis

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Abstract
Rotaviruses were detected by counterimmunoelectro-osmophoresis in the feces of 16 (13.8%) of 116 infants and young children with gastroenteritis during a 5 mo. period (Sept. 1979 through Jan. 1980) in Ife, Nigeria. The rate of rotavirus detection varied inversely with relative humidity and was highest in Dec. (38.5% positive) when the humidity was lower. There was not such a distinct relationship with temperature or vapor pressure; although the rate of rotavirus detection was higher in the drier months (Nov.-Jan.; 19.3% positive) than in the rainy season months (Sept. and Oct.; 8.5% positive), the average humidity was lower in the drier months than in the rainy months. Low relative humidity (49-78%) is apparently the most important environmental factor for rotavirus survival and spread in this area.