Influence of climatic, demographic and socioeconomic factors on tick-borne encephalitis incidence in 6 counties of Podlaskie region in 1994-2014.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of possible influence of meteorologic, socioeconomic factors and land cover changes on tick borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence in Podlaskie region. We analyzed data from 6 counties in Podlaskie region (bialostocki, suwalski, hajnowski, grajewski, kolnenski, siemiatycki) from years 1994-2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analyzed data included mean, minimal, maximal air temperatures (measured at 2 m above ground level), temperature amplitudes, rainfall, number of days with snowfall and duration of snow cover presence, population of each county, number of people employed as foresters, hunters, farmers and unemployed, area of each county, forests and agricultural area. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed correlations between TBE incidence and mean air temperatures in April and July. Moreover we stated correlation between TBE incidence and precipitation in April. TBE incidence was significantly higher in counties with high percentage of forested area. No significant correlations between TBE incidence and socioeconomic factors and land cover changes were observed.