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Science: Urbanization and humidity shape the intensity of influenza epidemics in U.S. cities

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  • Science: Urbanization and humidity shape the intensity of influenza epidemics in U.S. cities

    Science. 2018 Oct 5;362(6410):75-79. doi: 10.1126/science.aat6030.
    Urbanization and humidity shape the intensity of influenza epidemics in U.S. cities.

    Dalziel BD1,2, Kissler S3, Gog JR3, Viboud C4, Bj?rnstad ON5, Metcalf CJE6,7, Grenfell BT4,6,7.
    Author information

    Abstract

    Influenza epidemics vary in intensity from year to year, driven by climatic conditions and by viral antigenic evolution. However, important spatial variation remains unexplained. Here we show predictable differences in influenza incidence among cities, driven by population size and structure. Weekly incidence data from 603 cities in the United States reveal that epidemics in smaller cities are focused on shorter periods of the influenza season, whereas in larger cities, incidence is more diffuse. Base transmission potential estimated from city-level incidence data is positively correlated with population size and with spatiotemporal organization in population density, indicating a milder response to climate forcing in metropolises. This suggests that urban centers incubate critical chains of transmission outside of peak climatic conditions, altering the spatiotemporal geometry of herd immunity.


    PMID: 30287659 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat6030

  • #2
    Science. 2018 Oct 5;362(6410):29-30. doi: 10.1126/science.aav1003.
    Metropolitan versus small-town influenza.

    Wallinga J1,2.
    Author information

    PMID: 30287649 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav1003

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