Rotavirus A is the most common cause of infectious
diarrhea worldwide. This study aimed to retrospectively study and analyze 4009 stool samples that were tested for viruses causing
diarrhea, using multiplex reverse transcription PCR at Dankook University Hospital between 2010 and 2019. Furthermore, we determined the correlation between these factors and various climatic factors, including wind-chill temperature, relative humidity, rate of sunshine, and
particulate matter. Rotavirus A
infections occurred frequently in February, March, and April on an annual basis. Furthermore, during the study, the detection rate was highest at 17.0% (n=61/359) in 2011. Based on an analysis of weather big data, patient age, and period-specific
infection during the summer, when the wind-chill temperature and relative humidity were high, the Rotavirus A
infection rate was very low. Relative humidity (p=0.020) and
particulate matter (p=0.049) were associated with the average number of monthly cases of Rotavirus A
infection. However, wind chill temperature (p=0.074) and rate of sunshine (p=0.993) were not associated with the average monthly distribution of Rotavirus A cases. These results indicate that Rotavirus A
infection was correlated with relative humidity and
particulate matter during the study period and further the current understanding of the distribution of Rotavirus A
infections resulting from climatic factors and
particulate matter. This could help establish climate-related health policies to reduce the incidence of
diarrhea and guide the development of
vaccines against Rotavirus A.