Relationship between Climatic Factors and the Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Larestan City

Aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis as a public health problem in most countries throughout the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical areas is common. Iran is among the countries where the disease is endemic and in the southern region of the province of Fars, it has been observed at the utmost prevalence. This paper is concerned about some climatic parameters with the prevalence of the disease in the city of Larestan.

Methods: This study is an applied research in correlational design in which library techniques were employed. Data collection was conducted on the paraclimate, rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and sunshine hours during the period 1390-1382 from the weather station of Larestan and related information of the patients from the health center during this period. Statistical analysis was done using Excel and SPSS software.

Results: The highest prevalence of the disease has occurred in the months of January and February. Climatic parameters of rainfall and relative humidity had inverse correlation with the prevalence of disease. However, temperature and sunshine hours showed a direct relationship with the prevalence of disease.

Conclusion: Larestan city due to a hot and dry climate has provided the foundation for the outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the area. Actually, climatic parameters such as precipitation, relative humidity, temperature and sunshine hours engage in the prevalence of disease.