Impact of Atmospheric Conditions on Epistaxis Incidence.

PURPOSE: A possible correlation between epistaxis occurrence and atmospheric parameters' variation has long been hypothesized. This study aims to determine whether cumulative epistaxis incidence is related to seasonal variation and its relationship to monthly, weekly, and daily recordings of atmospheric measurements in the city of Patras, Greece. METHODS: In this retrospective study, data concerning the patients who presented with active epistaxis at the ED of a tertiary university hospital in Western Greece between January 2020 and December 2021 were collected. Only cases of spontaneous epistaxis were included in the study; patients bleeding secondarily due to a known mechanical cause, i.e., a tumor, trauma, or surgery, were excluded. The measurements of atmospheric parameters were supplied by the Department of Physics, University of Patras. RESULTS: In total, 230 cases of spontaneous, active epistaxis were evaluated in the ED over the course of the study. The median frequency of epistaxis presentations was two cases per week. Most of the patients were male, comprising 62.6% of the cohort, and the median age stood at 70 years, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 54 to 81 years. A minor yet statistically significant negative correlation between the incidence of epistaxis and mean relative humidity was observed both on a daily and weekly basis. Mean relative humidity emerged as a significant predictor for the incidence of epistaxis, both daily and weekly. Significantly lower mean relative humidity values were recorded during weeks with a high incidence of epistaxis cases (57.72% vs. 63.39%, p = 0.02). No discernible seasonality was observed in the frequency of epistaxis presentations to the ED. CONCLUSION: A modest yet statistically significant trend toward fewer epistaxis cases was observed in conditions of higher ambient humidity during the study period in the region of Western Greece.

Relationship between meteorological factors and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Recent studies on COVID-19 have demonstrated that poverty, comorbidities, race/ethnicity, population density, mobility, hygiene and use of masks are some of the important correlates of COVID-19 outcomes. In fact, weather conditions also play an important role in enhancing or eradicating health issues. Based on Chinese experience, the development of SARS and COVID-19 is partially associated with alterations in climate that align with the seasonal shifts of the "24 solar terms." However, the applicability of this pattern to other countries, particularly the United States, which has the highest global incidence and mortality rates, remains subject to ongoing investigation. We need to find more evidence to in the U.S. states verify the relationship between meteorological factors and COVID-19 outcomes to provide epidemiological and environmental support for the COVID-19 pandemic prevention and resource preservation. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between meteorological factors and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. Methods: We conducted an ecological cross-sectional study to evaluate the relationship between meteorological factors (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, atmospheric pressure) and COVID-19 mortality. This retrospective observational study examines mortality rates among COVID-19 patients in the three US states, California, Texas, and New York, with the highest fatality numbers, between March 7, 2020 and March 7, 2021. The study draws upon data sourced from the publicly accessible Dryad database. The daily corresponding meteorological conditions were retrieved from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Global Meteorological website (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/hourly/). This study employed multivariate linear regression analysis to assess the correlation between six meteorological factors and COVID-19 mortality. Gaussian distribution models were utilized to generate smooth curves for examining the linear association between maximum or minimum temperature and mortality. Additionally, breakpoint analysis was conducted to evaluate the threshold effect of temperature. Results: We found that the death toll of patients with COVID-19 decreased with an increase in the highest and lowest ambient temperatures (p < 0.001). In our study, we observed a seasonal difference in mortality rates, with a higher number of deaths occurring during winter months, particularly in January and February. However, mortality rates decreased significantly in March. Notably, we found no statistically significant correlation between relative humidity, average precipitation, and average wind speed with COVID-19 mortality (all p > 0.05). Daily COVID-19 death was negatively correlated with the maximum temperature (ß = -22, 95% CI, -26.2 to -17.79 -, p < 0.01), while the maximum temperature was below 30 °C. Similarly, the number of deaths was negatively correlated with the minimum temperature (ß = -27.46, 95% CI, -31.48 to -23.45, p < 0.01), when the minimum temperature was below 8 °C. Our study found a significant association between temperature and COVID-19 mortality, with every 1 °C increase in maximum or minimum temperature resulting in a decrease of 22 and 27 deceased cases, respectively. The relationship between atmospheric pressure and COVID-19 mortality was not fully elucidated due to its complex interaction with maximum temperature. Conclusions: This empirical study adds to the existing body of research on the impact of climate factors on COVID-19 prevention and resource allocation. Policymakers and health scientists may find these findings useful in conjunction with other social factors when making decisions related to COVID-19 prevention and resource allocation.

Effect of meteorological factors and Air Quality Index on the COVID-19 epidemiological characteristics: an ecological study among 210 countries.

The survival of COVID-19 in different environments may be affected by a variety of weather, pollution, and seasonal parameters. Therefore, the present study aims to conduct an ecological investigation on COVID-19 average growth rate of daily cases and deaths influenced by environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and air pollution) using a sample size of adjusted cumulative incidence of daily cases and deaths based on five 60-day periods. Research data was gathered on official websites, including information on COVID-19, meteorological data, and air pollution indicators from December 31, 2019, to October 12, 2020, from 210 countries. Spearman correlation and generalized additive model (GAM) were used to analyze the data. During the observed period, the COVID-19 average growth rate of daily cases (r = -0.08, P =0.151) and deaths (r= -0.09, P = 0.207) were not correlated with humidity. Also, there was a negative relationship between the COVID-19 average growth rate of new cases and deaths with the Air Quality Index (AQI) and wind (new cases and wind: r=-0.25, P= 0.04). Furthermore, the data related to the first and second 60 day of the adjusted cumulative incidence of COVID-19 daily cases and deaths were not associated with humidity and Air Quality Index (AQI). The result of GAM showed the effect of AQI on the average growth rate of COVID-19 new cases and deaths. This study provides evidence for a positive relationship between COVID-19 daily cases, deaths, and AQI.

Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) Is Associated with Epistaxis in Children and Adults.

The impact of atmospheric concentration of particulate matter ≤10 µm in diameter (PM10) continues to attract research attention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of meteorological factors, including PM10 concentration, on epistaxis presentation in children and adults. We reviewed the data from 1557 days and 2273 cases of epistaxis between January 2015 and December 2019. Eligible patients were stratified by age into the children (age ≤17 years) and adult groups. The main outcome was the incidence and cumulative number of epistaxis presentations in hospital per day and month. Meteorological factors and PM10 concentration data were obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Several meteorological factors were associated with epistaxis presentation in hospital; however, these associations differed between children and adults. Only PM10 concentration was consistently associated with daily epistaxis presentation in hospital among both children and adults. Additionally, PM10 concentration was associated with the daily cumulative number of epistaxis presentations in hospital in children and adults. Furthermore, the monthly mean PM10 concentration was significantly associated with the total number of epistaxis presentations in the corresponding month. PM10 concentration should be regarded as an important environmental factor that may affect epistaxis in both children and adults.

Seasons, weather, and device-measured movement behaviors: a scoping review from 2006 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: This scoping review summarized research on (a) seasonal differences in physical activity and sedentary behavior, and (b) specific weather indices associated with those behaviors. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched to identify relevant studies. After identifying and screening 1459 articles, data were extracted from 110 articles with 118,189 participants from 30 countries (almost exclusively high-income countries) on five continents. RESULTS: Both physical activity volume and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were greater in summer than winter. Sedentary behavior was greater in winter than either spring or summer, and insufficient evidence existed to draw conclusions about seasonal differences in light physical activity. Physical activity volume and MVPA duration were positively associated with both the photoperiod and temperature, and negatively associated with precipitation. Sedentary behavior was negatively associated with photoperiod and positively associated with precipitation. Insufficient evidence existed to draw conclusions about light physical activity and specific weather indices. Many weather indices have been neglected in this literature (e.g., air quality, barometric pressure, cloud coverage, humidity, snow, visibility, windchill). CONCLUSIONS: The natural environment can influence health by facilitating or inhibiting physical activity. Behavioral interventions should be sensitive to potential weather impacts. Extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change may compromise health-enhancing physical activity in the short term and, over longer periods of time, stimulate human migration in search of more suitable environmental niches.

The influence of meteorological variables on the oviposition dynamics of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in four environmentally distinct areas in northeast Brazil

BACKGROUND Fluctuations in climate have been associated with variations in mosquito abundance. OBJECTIVES To analyse the influence of precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and humidity on the oviposition dynamics of Aedes aegypti in three distinct environmental areas (Brasília Teimosa, Morro da Conceição/Alto José do Pinho and Dois Irmãos/Pintos) of the city of Recife and the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago northeastern Brazil. METHODS Time series study using a database of studies previously carried out in the areas. The eggs were collected using spatially distributed geo-referenced sentinel ovitraps (S-OVTs). Meteorological satellite data were obtained from the IRI climate data library. The association between meteorological variables and egg abundance was analysed using autoregressive models. FINDINGS Precipitation was positively associated with egg abundance in three of the four study areas with a lag of one month. Higher humidity (β = 45.7; 95% CI: 26.3 - 65.0) and lower wind speed (β = −125.2; 95% CI: −198.8 - −51.6) were associated with the average number of eggs in the hill area. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The effect of climate variables on oviposition varied according to local environmental conditions. Precipitation was a main predictor of egg abundance in the study settings.

Correlation between meteorological factors and short-term outcomes in patients with noncardioembolic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the correlation between meteorological factors and short-term outcomes in patients with acute noncardioembolic stroke.@*Methods@#Patients with acute noncardioembotic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from March 2009 to February 2012, were enrolled retrospectively. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were collected at discharge or 14 d after onset, and good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2 , poor outcome as mRS >2. The demographic, baseline clinical data, laboratory findings, and meteorological parameters on the day of onset were compared between the good outcome group and the poor outcome group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of short-term outcomes.@*Results@#A total of 868 patients with acute noncardioembolic stroke were enrolled, including 535 (61.6%) with good outcome and 333 (38.4%) with poor outcome. Univariate analysis showed that age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, systolic pressure, fasting blood glucose, daily average wind speed as well as the proportion of ischemic heart disease, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, and moderate to severe stroke in the poor outcome group were significantly higher than those in the good outcome group; daily average temperature and daily average relative humidity in the poor outcome group were significantly lower than those in the good outcome group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower daily average temperature (odds ratio 0.978, 95% confidence interval 0.959-0.998; P=0.032) and higher daily average wind speed (odds ratio 1.442, 95% confidence interval 1.065-1.953; P=0.018) were independently correlated with the short-term outcomes.@*Conclusion@#Daily average temperature and daily average wind speed were significantly correlated with the short-term outcomes in patients with acute noncardioembolic stroke.

Correlation between meteorological factors and short-term outcomes in patients with noncardioembolic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between meteorological factors and short-term outcomes in patients with acute noncardioembolic stroke.Methods Patients with acute noncardioembotic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology,the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from March 2009 to February 2012,were enrolled retrospectively.The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were collected at discharge or 14 d after onset,and good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2,poor outcome as mRS ＞ 2.The demographic,baseline clinical data,laboratory findings,and meteorological parameters on the day of onset were compared between the good outcome group and the poor outcome group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of short-term outcomes.Results A total of 868 patients w ith acute noncardioembolic stroke w ere enrolled,including 535 (61.6％) with good outcome and 333 (38.4％) with poor outcome.Univariate analysis showed that age,baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score,systolic pressure,fasting blood glucose,daily average wind speed as w ell as the proportion of ischemic heart disease,history of stroke or transient ischemic attack,and moderate to severe stroke in the poor outcome group were significantly higher than those in the good outcome group;daily average temperature and daily average relative humidity in the poor outcome group w ere significantly low er than those in the good outcome group (all P ＜ 0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower daily average temperature (odds ratio 0.978,95％ confidence interval 0.959-0.998;P =0.032) and higher daily average wind speed (odds ratio 1.442,95％ confidence interval 1.065-1.953;P =0.018) w ere independently correlated with the short-term outcomes.Conclusion Daily average temperature and daily average wind speed were significantly correlated with the short-term outcomes in patients with acute noncardioembolic stroke.

Perceptions regarding utilization of meteorological information in healthcare in Korea: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Health forecasting has been used in an attempt to provide timely and tailored meteorological information to patients and healthcare providers so that they might take appropriate actions to mitigate health risks and manage healthcare-related needs. This study examined the in-depth perceptions of healthcare providers and the general public regarding the utilization of meteorological information in the healthcare system in Korea. METHODS: The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was applied to this study. We conducted three focus group discussions in accordance with semi-structured guidelines developed to deal with various aspects of the utilization of meteorological information in healthcare settings. The verbatim transcriptions and field notes were analyzed according to content analysis. RESULTS: Six physicians, four nurses, three emergency medical technicians, and seven members of the general public participated in the focus group discussions. There were some individual discrepancies among most participants regarding the health effects of climate change. Although several physician participants felt that meteorological information utilization is not a prime concern during patient care, most of the general public participants believed that it should be used in the patient care process. The provision of meteorological information to patients undergoing care is expected to not only improve the effective management of climate-sensitive diseases, but also boost rapport between healthcare providers and patients. CONCLUSIONS: More attempts should be made to provide meteorological information to groups vulnerable to climate change, and the effects of this information should be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and inequality. The findings of this study will be helpful in countries and institutions trying to introduce health forecasting services.

Correlation analysis between meteorological factors and onset of acute cerebral infarction in Dalian / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To provide more reference base for the prevention and treatment of acute cerebral infarction through the correlation study between the onset of acute cerebral infarction and meteorological factors during the same period in Dalian area.Methods From January 1,2015 to December 31,2015,the data of hospitalized medical records and meteorological data during the same period in 3 5 7 8 consecutive patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to three tertiary hospitals in Dalian were analyzed retrospectively.The seasonal regularity of acute cerebral infarction in Dalian area was analyzed descriptively.A single retrospective 1 ∶ 1 matched case-crossover study design was used to analyze the effect of mean air temperature lag 0-3 days on the onset of acute cerebral infarction.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the influence of meteorological factors of the day on the onset of acute cerebral infarction,at the same time,the relationship between stroke subtypes and meteorological factors was investigated.Results (1) The incidence of acute cerebral infarction was higher in winter (December,January,and February) and it was lower in summer (from June to August).(2) Hysteresis analysis:when the temperature was reduced by 1 ℃each time,the OR values of acute cerebral infarction lagging behind 0 and 1 d were 1.034 (95％ CI 1.012-1.056) and 1.025 (95％ CI 1.008-1.042) respectively.There was significant difference (all P ＜ 0.05).The correlation between the temperature of the day of onset and the onset of acute cerebral infarction was the highest.(3) The onset of cerebral infarction was negatively correlated with the average temperature of the day and hours of sunshine (r =-0.392,-0.260,all P ＜ 0.01),and it was positively correlated with the daily average air pressure (r =0.403,P ＜ 0.01).Among them,the correlation of the type of cardiogenic embolism and each meteorological factor was the highest.The correlation coefficients of daily average temperature,daily air pressure,and hours of sunshine were-0.836,0.733,and-0.629,respectively (all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion A cold and high air pressure may trigger the onset of acute cerebral infarction,especially cardiogenic cerebral infarction.

Perceptions regarding utilization of meteorological information in healthcare in Korea: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Health forecasting has been used in an attempt to provide timely and tailored meteorological information to patients and healthcare providers so that they might take appropriate actions to mitigate health risks and manage healthcare-related needs. This study examined the in-depth perceptions of healthcare providers and the general public regarding the utilization of meteorological information in the healthcare system in Korea. METHODS: The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was applied to this study. We conducted three focus group discussions in accordance with semi-structured guidelines developed to deal with various aspects of the utilization of meteorological information in healthcare settings. The verbatim transcriptions and field notes were analyzed according to content analysis. RESULTS: Six physicians, four nurses, three emergency medical technicians, and seven members of the general public participated in the focus group discussions. There were some individual discrepancies among most participants regarding the health effects of climate change. Although several physician participants felt that meteorological information utilization is not a prime concern during patient care, most of the general public participants believed that it should be used in the patient care process. The provision of meteorological information to patients undergoing care is expected to not only improve the effective management of climate-sensitive diseases, but also boost rapport between healthcare providers and patients. CONCLUSIONS: More attempts should be made to provide meteorological information to groups vulnerable to climate change, and the effects of this information should be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and inequality. The findings of this study will be helpful in countries and institutions trying to introduce health forecasting services. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0214-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Study on the correlation between meteorological factors and acute otitis media in outpatients of children in Beijing].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of acute otitis media(AOM) in children in Beijing and its correlation with meteorological factors. Methods: Data were collected in 2011-2013 in the Otolaryngology Department of Capital Institute of Pediatrics. AOM in children with relevant information, such as age, sex and season, with the same period of the Beijing municipal meteorological data (the average temperature, average pressure, average wind speed, humidity and PM2.5) were compared to analysis the relationship of meteorological environmental parameters and the onset of AOM in children. Results: Annual morbidity of AOM was 7 589, 8 245, 7 242 respectively, no obvious difference(P=0.761). It was noted that one peak could be seen in December, and a valley in February, followed by August. Summer was less than the other three seasons (P<0.05). The morbidity of AOM had a small peak within one year after birth, then reached peak at the age of about 4, and then reduced gradually. In different age groups, male patients were higher than those of female. The incidence of AOM was positively correlation tendency with air pressure and PM2.5 (r=0.333, 0.093, P=0.000, 0.002), which was negatively correlation tendency with daily temperature or humidity (r=-0.327, -0.195, P=0.000, 0.000). Conclusions: The incidence of AOM of children in Beijing changes with age, and has obvious seasonal variation. There may be some correlation between the meteorological factors and the incidence of AOM in children.

Relationship of spontaneous pneumothorax cases seen in Eastern Black Sea region with meteorological changes.

The relationship of climate changes or weather conditions with the incidence of pneumothorax has been explored for many years. We aimed at revealing the effects of meteorological changes on the incidence of pneumothorax in the Eastern Black Sea region where spontaneous pneumothorax cases are seen relatively more frequently. The records of 195 subjects (179 males and 16 females) who had been monitored and treated due to spontaneous pneumothorax between January 2006 and December 2012 at our clinic were reviewed retrospectively, and their relationship was investigated with the meteorological data obtained by going through the database archive records of the 11th Regional Meteorology Directorate for the years between 2006 and 2012. Wind velocity was observed to be less in the days of having spontaneous pneumothorax than in the days of having no spontaneous pneumothorax, and the difference was found statistically significant (P = 0.026). The people of our region whose active lifestyle is reflected in their working life, social life, and even in their folk dances usually take a rest in the days of slower wind speed. We think that this state of resting leads to an increase in the frequency of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Study on the correlation between meteorological factors and acute otitis media in outpatients of children in Beijing / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the characteristics of acute otitis media(AOM) in children in Beijing and its correlation with meteorological factors.@*Methods@#Data were collected in 2011-2013 in the Otolaryngology Department of Capital Institute of Pediatrics. AOM in children with relevant information, such as age, sex and season, with the same period of the Beijing municipal meteorological data (the average temperature, average pressure, average wind speed, humidity and PM2.5) were compared to analysis the relationship of meteorological environmental parameters and the onset of AOM in children.@*Results@#Annual morbidity of AOM was 7 589, 8 245, 7 242 respectively, no obvious difference(P=0.761). It was noted that one peak could be seen in December, and a valley in February, followed by August. Summer was less than the other three seasons (P<0.05). The morbidity of AOM had a small peak within one year after birth, then reached peak at the age of about 4, and then reduced gradually. In different age groups, male patients were higher than those of female. The incidence of AOM was positively correlation tendency with air pressure and PM2.5 (r=0.333, 0.093, P=0.000, 0.002), which was negatively correlation tendency with daily temperature or humidity (r=-0.327, -0.195, P=0.000, 0.000).@*Conclusions@#The incidence of AOM of children in Beijing changes with age, and has obvious seasonal variation. There may be some correlation between the meteorological factors and the incidence of AOM in children.

Effects of Meteorological Factors on the Onset of Vestibular Neuritis / 대한평형의학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of meteorological factors on the onset of vestibular neuritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Meteorological data from 2004 to 2009 were obtained from the web-based 'Monthly Weather Reports of the Meteorological Administration' database. Patients with vestibular neuritis who visited Incheon St. Mary's Hospital during this same period and presented the precise day on which the symptoms appeared were included in this study involving a retrospective chart review. Twelve meteorological factors were analyzed between the days when vestibular neuritis onset was observed and the days when vestibular neuritis did not occur. Time lags (D-1-D-7) which mean 1-7 days before the onset were included to assess a possible delayed meteorological effect in relation to the onset of vestibular neuritis. Seasonal incidence of vestibular neuritis and a relationship with seasonal patterns of weather parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean values for the meteorological parameters of the days when vestibular neuritis occurred were not significantly different from the days on which vestibular neuritis onset was not observed. At time lag of 3-5 days, mean and maximal wind velocities were significantly higher for the days when vestibular neuritis occurred than the days without vestibular neuritis onset. The incidence of vestibular neuritis was highest in spring, when the wind velocity was higher compared to other seasons. CONCLUSION: Wind speed and the spring season showed significant relationships with vestibular neuritis occurrence.

Prediction Model for Demands of the Health Meteorological Information Using a Decision Tree Method

PURPOSE: Climate change affects human health and calls for health meteorological services. The purpose of this study is to find the significant predictors for the demands of the health meteorological information. METHODS: This study used a descriptive design through structured self-report questionnaires. Data from 956 participants who were at least 18 years old and living in Busan, Korea, were collected from June 1 to July 31, 2009. The data was analyzed using a decision tree method, one of the data mining techniques by SAS 9.1 and Enterprise Miner 4.3 program. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety participants (30.3%) demanded the information, and 505 of them (52.8%) perceived the necessity of health meteorological information. From the decision tree method, the predictors related to the demands of the health meteorological information were determined as "the perception of the necessity of health meteorological information," "the coping to the weather warnings" and "the importance of the weather forecasting in daily life." In Particular, the significant different variables in the perception of the necessity of health meteorological information were "female," "aged over 40" and "environmental diseases." Thus, the model derived in this study is considered for explaining and predicting the demands of health meteorological information. CONCLUSIONS: It can be effectively used as a reference model for future studies and is a suggested direction in health meteorological information service and policy development. We suggest health forecasting as a nursing service and a primary health care network for healthier and more comfortable life.

Correlations Between Climate Change-Related Infectious Diseases and Meteorological Factors in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Infectious diseases are known to be affected by climate change. We investigated if the infectious diseases were related to meteorological factors in Korea. METHODS: Scrub typhus, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), leptospirosis, malaria and Vibrio vulnificus sepsis among the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases were selected as the climate change-related infectious diseases. Temperature, relative humidity and precipitation were used as meteorological factors. The study period was from 2001 through 2008. We examined the seasonality of the diseases and those correlations with meteorological factors. We also analyzed the correlations between the incidences of the diseases during the outbreak periods and monthly meteorological factors in the hyper-endemic regions. RESULTS: All of the investigated diseases showed strong seasonality; malaria and V. vulnificus sepsis were prevalent in summer and scrub typhus, HFRS and leptospirosis were prevalent in the autumn. There were significant correlations between the monthly numbers of cases and all the meteorological factors for malaria and V. vulnificus sepsis, but there were no correlation for the other diseases. However, the incidence of scrub typhus in hyper-endemic region during the outbreak period was positively correlated with temperature and humidity during the summer. The incidences of HFRS and leptospirosis had positive correlations with precipitation in November and temperature and humidity in February, respectively. V. vulnificus sepsis showed positive correlations with precipitation in April/May/July. CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, the incidences of the infectious diseases were correlated with meteorological factors, and this implies that the incidences could be influenced by climate change.