Douala's Weather: A Hidden Factor in Stroke Cases?

In Douala, Cameroon, weather might be playing a bigger role in strokes than people think.

The Data: 2011-2020

• Total stroke cases: 1,349
• Most common type: Ischemic strokes
• Average patient age: 61

Rainy Season: More Cases, Less Severity

• Critical period: Long rainy season
• Observation: More strokes occurred, but they were less severe.
• Possible reason: Rain might reduce severity, but not the number of cases.

Dry Season: More Severe Strokes

• Critical period: Long dry season
• Observation: Strokes were more severe.
• Possible reasons: Low rainfall and less sunshine worsened outcomes.

Short Rainy Season: Higher Death Rate

• Critical period: Short rainy season
• Observation: Higher death rate among stroke patients.
• Possible reasons: High temperatures and moderate rainfall created worse outcomes.

Hospital Stays: Longer During Rainy Season

• Critical period: Long rainy season
• Observation: Longer hospital stays.
• Possible reasons: High winds, heavy rain, and low sunshine slowed recovery.

The Takeaway

• Weather conditions influence stroke patterns and outcomes.
• Public health strategies should consider weather factors.
• Understanding weather could help in preventing and managing strokes better.