Impact of Wind Speed on Hand Foot Mouth Disease in Western China

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) poses a significant public health burden, particularly in Western China, where thousands of cases are reported annually. Previous studies have not adequately explored the impact of environmental factors, including wind speed, on HFMD incidence.

This observational study analyzed data from 2000 to 2022 in Western China, utilizing regression models to evaluate the relationship between wind speed and HFMD cases, while controlling for temperature and humidity variables. The sample included recorded HFMD cases from 10 major cities, totaling 25,000 cases.

Results indicated that increased wind speed was associated with a 20% reduction in HFMD cases during summer months, with a confidence interval of 15% to 25% (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed that the humidex coefficient modified this relationship, with critical thresholds identified for effective intervention.

These findings suggest that wind speed plays a crucial role in modulating HFMD transmission dynamics, highlighting the need for integrating environmental factors into public health models. Limitations include the potential influence of other unmeasured variables and the need for further longitudinal studies to confirm causality.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2026.008