Effects of Rainfall and Temperature on the Occurrence of Malaria and Typhoid Fever in Awka South, Anambra State

Abstract

This study examined the effect of rainfall and temperature on the occurrence of malaria and typhoid in Awka South LGA, Anambra State. Records of rainfall and temperature were obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NMets) while the records of malaria and typhoid cases were obtained from Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka from 2015 to 2024. Time series analysis was used to analyze the trends of each of the data collected. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of the diseases and the climatic parameters. The seasonal occurrence of the diseases was analyzed by dividing the year into cold dry season, hot dry season and rainy season. The correlation analysis indicated that malaria and typhoid are influenced differently by the various climate factors. Rainfall showed a significant positive relationship (r=0.423, p<0.001) with malaria and typhoid (r= 0.398, p<0.001) while temperature showed a significant negative relationship with malaria (r = - 0.551, p<0.001) and typhoid (r=-0.522, p<0.001). The result of seasonality analysis of the occurrence of malaria and typhoid showed a seasonal pattern in disease occurrence. It was recommended that should come up with enlightenment programs should be viii conducted to educate people on the effect of climate change on the occurrence of diseases; to also provide safe and adequate drinking water for the masses; and provide free mosquito nets for the residents of the area. The people on the other hand should improve on their sanitation in their environment