Association between particulate matter pollution and the incidence of mumps in 31 provinces from China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a known risk factor for respiratory illnesses.
• PM can affect the immune system and carry infectious agents.
• The relationship between PM pollution and mumps incidence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and the incidence of mumps.
• To investigate potential seasonal variations in this association.
• To provide data for mumps prevention and control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a generalized additive model (GAM) to analyze monthly mumps cases and air pollution data.
• Data collected from 31 Chinese provinces between January 2014 and December 2017.
• Examined associations at different lag times and tested for seasonal effect modification.

Main Results:

• A 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a 2.34% and 1.90% rise in monthly mumps cases, respectively (lag0).
• Significant positive associations were observed between PM2.5, PM10, and mumps cases at lag0-1.
• No significant differences were found in the effects between warm and cold seasons.

Conclusions:

• A positive relationship exists between exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and the incidence of mumps.
• Air pollution may play a role in the transmission or susceptibility to mumps.
• Findings underscore the importance of air quality management for controlling mumps.