CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
5
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85212008840
Journal Title
Routledge Handbook of Infectious Diseases: A Geographical Guide, Third Edition
Start Page
464
End Page
476
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Routledge Handbook of Infectious Diseases: A Geographical Guide, Third Edition (2024) , 464-476
Suggested Citation
Khatib A.N., Matsee W., Semenza J.C. CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Routledge Handbook of Infectious Diseases: A Geographical Guide, Third Edition (2024) , 464-476. 476. doi:10.4324/9781003531425-31 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/102456
Title
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Author(s)
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between climate change and infectious diseases, examining the various mechanisms through which climate change influences the distribution, prevalence, and transmission. Over half of all infectious diseases are susceptible to climate change, affecting 3 billion people worldwide. The nexus of climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability creates cascading risk pathways, with events such as hurricanes and floods disrupting infrastructure and fostering disease outbreaks. Vectorborne, foodborne, waterborne, and respiratory diseases are exceptionally sensitive to climate changes with altered temperature and precipitation patterns affecting pathogen transmission, leading to the expansion of disease ranges, seasonality, and shifting transmission dynamics. Disruptions to ecosystems also lead to increased contact between wildlife and human populations, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease spillover events. Addressing these challenges demands the strengthening of healthcare systems, surveillance, and infrastructure resilience. Global warming will continue to alter the landscape of infectious diseases, with expansion of transmission seasons and geographic ranges of disease, increased risk of infections, and introduction of emerging infections to naïve populations. By understanding climate change and these complex connections, a multifaceted approach to adaptation efforts, mitigation, and effective public health strategies can be devised to confront an evolving disease burden in a changing world.