International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

16 pages, 4117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydro-Geochemistry of the River Water in the Jiulongjiang River Basin, Southeast China: Implications of Anthropogenic Inputs and Chemical Weathering

by Xiaoqiang Li, Guilin Han, Man Liu, Kunhua Yang and Jinke Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030440 - 2 Feb 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4179

Abstract

This study focuses on the chemical weathering process under the influence of human activities in the Jiulongjiang River basin, which is the most developed and heavily polluted area in southeast China. The average total dissolved solid (TDS) of the river water is 116.6 [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the chemical weathering process under the influence of human activities in the Jiulongjiang River basin, which is the most developed and heavily polluted area in southeast China. The average total dissolved solid (TDS) of the river water is 116.6 mg/L and total cation concentration (

{TZ}^{+}

) is 1.5 meq/L. Calcium and

{HCO}_{3}^{-}

followed by

{Na}^{+}

and

{SO}_{4}^{2 -}

constitute the main species in river waters. A mass balance based on cations calculation indicated that the silicate weathering (43.3%), carbonate weathering (30.7%), atmospheric (15.6%) and anthropogenic inputs (10.4%) are four reservoirs contributing to the dissolved load. Silicates (SCW) and carbonates (CCW) chemical weathering rates are calculated to be approximately 53.2 ton/km²/a and 15.0 ton/km²/a, respectively. When sulfuric and nitric acid from rainfall affected by human activities are involved in the weathering process, the actual atmospheric

{CO}_{2}

consumption rates are estimated at 3.7 × 10⁵ mol/km²/a for silicate weathering and 2.2 × 10⁵ mol/km²/a for carbonate weathering. An overestimated carbon sink (17.4 Gg

C / a

) is about 27.0% of the

{CO}_{2}

consumption flux via silicate weathering in the Jiulongjiang River basin, this result shows the strong effects of anthropogenic factors on atmospheric

{CO}_{2}

level and current and future climate change of earth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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15 pages, 3072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Negative Emotion under Haze: An Investigation Based on the Microblog and Weather Records of Tianjin, China

by Xuan Sun, Wenting Yang, Tao Sun and Ya Ping Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16010086 - 30 Dec 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5018

Abstract

Nowadays, many big cities are suffering from heavy air pollution and continuous haze weather. Compared with the threat on physical health, the influence of haze on people’s mental health is much less discussed in the current literature. Emotion is one of the most [...] Read more.

Nowadays, many big cities are suffering from heavy air pollution and continuous haze weather. Compared with the threat on physical health, the influence of haze on people’s mental health is much less discussed in the current literature. Emotion is one of the most important indicators of mental health. To understand the negative impact of haze weather on the emotion of the people, we conducted an investigation based on historical weather records and microblog data in Tianjin, China. Specifically, an emotional thesaurus was generated with a microblog corpus collected from sample data. Based on the thesaurus, the public emotion under haze was statistically described. Then, through correlation analysis and comparative study, the relation and seasonal variation of haze and negative emotion of the public were well discussed. According to the study results, there was indeed a correlation between haze and negative emotion of the public, but the strength of this relationship varied under different conditions. The level of air pollution and weather context were both important factors that influence the mental effects of haze, and diverse patterns of negative emotion expression were demonstrated in different seasons of a year. Finally, for the benefit of people’s mental health under haze, recommendations were given for haze control from the side of government. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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27 pages, 11281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Health Co-Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation in Urban Mobility

by Brigitte Wolkinger, Willi Haas, Gabriel Bachner, Ulli Weisz, Karl W. Steininger, Hans-Peter Hutter, Jennifer Delcour, Robert Griebler, Bernhard Mittelbach, Philipp Maier and Raphael Reifeltshammer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(5), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050880 - 28 Apr 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 8683

Abstract

There is growing recognition that implementation of low-carbon policies in urban passenger transport has near-term health co-benefits through increased physical activity and improved air quality. Nevertheless, co-benefits and related cost reductions are often not taken into account in decision processes, likely because they [...] Read more.

There is growing recognition that implementation of low-carbon policies in urban passenger transport has near-term health co-benefits through increased physical activity and improved air quality. Nevertheless, co-benefits and related cost reductions are often not taken into account in decision processes, likely because they are not easy to capture. In an interdisciplinary multi-model approach we address this gap, investigating the co-benefits resulting from increased physical activity and improved air quality due to climate mitigation policies for three urban areas. Additionally we take a (macro-)economic perspective, since that is the ultimate interest of policy-makers. Methodologically, we link a transport modelling tool, a transport emission model, an emission dispersion model, a health model and a macroeconomic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to analyze three climate change mitigation scenarios. We show that higher levels of physical exercise and reduced exposure to pollutants due to mitigation measures substantially decrease morbidity and mortality. Expenditures are mainly born by the public sector but are mostly offset by the emerging co-benefits. Our macroeconomic results indicate a strong positive welfare effect, yet with slightly negative GDP and employment effects. We conclude that considering economic co-benefits of climate change mitigation policies in urban mobility can be put forward as a forceful argument for policy makers to take action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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11 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Well Do COP22 Attendees Understand Graphs on Climate Change Health Impacts from the Fifth IPCC Assessment Report?

by Helen Fischer, Stefanie Schütte, Anneliese Depoux, Dorothee Amelung and Rainer Sauerborn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(5), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050875 - 27 Apr 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4960

Abstract

Graphs are prevalent in the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), often depicting key points and major results. However, the popularity of graphs in the IPCC reports contrasts with a neglect of empirical tests of their understandability. Here we put [...] Read more.

Graphs are prevalent in the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), often depicting key points and major results. However, the popularity of graphs in the IPCC reports contrasts with a neglect of empirical tests of their understandability. Here we put the understandability of three graphs taken from the Health chapter of the Fifth Assessment Report to an empirical test. We present a pilot study where we evaluate objective understanding (mean accuracy in multiple-choice questions) and subjective understanding (self-assessed confidence in accuracy) in a sample of attendees of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh, 2016 (COP22), and a student sample. Results show a mean objective understanding of M = 0.33 for the COP sample, and M = 0.38 for the student sample. Subjective and objective understanding were unrelated for the COP22 sample, but associated for the student sample. These results suggest that (i) understandability of the IPCC health chapter graphs is insufficient, and that (ii) particularly COP22 attendees lacked insight into which graphs they did, and which they did not understand. Implications for the construction of graphs to communicate health impacts of climate change to decision-makers are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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14 pages, 1499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Drought on Agronomic Traits of Rice and Wheat: A Meta-Analysis

by Jinmeng Zhang, Shiqiao Zhang, Min Cheng, Hong Jiang, Xiuying Zhang, Changhui Peng, Xuehe Lu, Minxia Zhang and Jiaxin Jin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(5), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050839 - 24 Apr 2018

Cited by 258 | Viewed by 12306

Abstract

Drought has been one of the most important limiting factors for crop production, which deleteriously affects food security worldwide. The main objective of the present study was to quantitatively assess the effect of drought on the agronomic traits (e.g., plant height, biomass, yield, [...] Read more.

Drought has been one of the most important limiting factors for crop production, which deleteriously affects food security worldwide. The main objective of the present study was to quantitatively assess the effect of drought on the agronomic traits (e.g., plant height, biomass, yield, and yield components) of rice and wheat in combination with several moderators (e.g., drought stress intensity, rooting environment, and growth stage) using a meta-analysis study. The database was created from 55 published studies on rice and 60 published studies on wheat. The results demonstrated that drought decreased the agronomic traits differently between rice and wheat among varying growth stages. Wheat and rice yields decreased by 27.5% and 25.4%, respectively. Wheat grown in pots showed greater decreases in agronomic traits than those grown in the field. Rice showed opposite growing patterns when compared to wheat in rooting environments. The effect of drought on rice increased with plant growth and drought had larger detrimental influences during the reproductive phase (e.g., blooming stage, filling stage, and maturity). However, an exception was found in wheat, which had similar decreased performance during the complete growth cycle. Based on these results, future droughts could produce lower yields of rice and wheat when compared to the current drought. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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18 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Political Economy of Health Co-Benefits: Embedding Health in the Climate Change Agenda

by Annabelle Workman, Grant Blashki, Kathryn J. Bowen, David J. Karoly and John Wiseman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(4), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040674 - 4 Apr 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 8584

Abstract

A complex, whole-of-economy issue such as climate change demands an interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral response. However, evidence suggests that human health has remained elusive in its influence on the development of ambitious climate change mitigation policies for many national governments, despite a recognition that the [...] Read more.

A complex, whole-of-economy issue such as climate change demands an interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral response. However, evidence suggests that human health has remained elusive in its influence on the development of ambitious climate change mitigation policies for many national governments, despite a recognition that the combustion of fossil fuels results in pervasive short- and long-term health consequences. We use insights from literature on the political economy of health and climate change, the science–policy interface and power in policy-making, to identify additional barriers to the meaningful incorporation of health co-benefits into climate change mitigation policy development. Specifically, we identify four key interrelated areas where barriers may exist in relation to health co-benefits: discourse, efficiency, vested interests and structural challenges. With these insights in mind, we argue that the current politico-economic paradigm in which climate change is situated and the processes used to develop climate change mitigation policies do not adequately support accounting for health co-benefits. We present approaches for enhancing the role of health co-benefits in the development of climate change mitigation policies to ensure that health is embedded in the broader climate change agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Risk Perception in Taiwan: Correlation with Individual and Societal Factors

by Yingying Sun and Ziqiang Han

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010091 - 8 Jan 2018

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 9472

Abstract

This study differentiates the risk perception and influencing factors of climate change along the dimensions of global severity and personal threat. Using the 2013 Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSGS) data (N = 2001) as a representative sample of adults from Taiwan, we investigated [...] Read more.

This study differentiates the risk perception and influencing factors of climate change along the dimensions of global severity and personal threat. Using the 2013 Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSGS) data (N = 2001) as a representative sample of adults from Taiwan, we investigated the influencing factors of the risk perceptions of climate change in these two dimensions (global severity and personal threat). Logistic regression models were used to examine the correlations of individual factors (gender, age, education, climate-related disaster experience and risk awareness, marital status, employment status, household income, and perceived social status) and societal factors (religion, organizational embeddedness, and political affiliations) with the above two dimensions. The results demonstrate that climate-related disaster experience has no significant impact on either the perception of global severity or the perception of personal impact. However, climate-related risk awareness (regarding typhoons, in particular) is positively associated with both dimensions of the perceived risks of climate change. With higher education, individuals are more concerned about global severity than personal threat. Regarding societal factors, the supporters of political parties have higher risk perceptions of climate change than people who have no party affiliation. Religious believers have higher risk perceptions of personal threat than non-religious people. This paper ends with a discussion about the effectiveness of efforts to enhance risk perception of climate change with regard to global severity and personal threat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

12565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evidence-Based Review of Impacts, Strategies and Tools to Mitigate Urban Heat Islands

by Walter Leal Filho, Leyre Echevarria Icaza, Victoria Omeche Emanche and Abul Quasem Al-Amin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(12), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14121600 - 19 Dec 2017

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 15301

Abstract

The impacts of climate changes on cities, which are home to over half of the world’s population, are already being felt. In many cases, the intensive speed with which urban centres have been growing means that little attention has been paid to the [...] Read more.

The impacts of climate changes on cities, which are home to over half of the world’s population, are already being felt. In many cases, the intensive speed with which urban centres have been growing means that little attention has been paid to the role played by climatic factors in maintaining quality of life. Among the negative consequences of rapid city growth is the expansion of the problems posed by urban heat islands (UHIs), defined as areas in a city that are much warmer than other sites, especially in comparison with rural areas. This paper analyses the consistency of the UHI-related literature in three stages: first it outlines its characteristics and impacts in a wide variety of cities around the world, which poses pressures to public health in many different countries. Then it introduces strategies which may be employed in order to reduce its effects, and finally it analyses available tools to systematize the initial high level assessment of the phenomenon for multidisciplinary teams involved in the urban planning process. The analysis of literature on the characteristics, impacts, strategies and digital tools to assess on the UHI, reveals the wide variety of parameters, methods, tools and strategies analysed and suggested in the different studies, which does not always allow to compare or standardize the diagnosis or solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

37 pages, 2754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Responding to Climate and Environmental Change Impacts on Human Health via Integrated Surveillance in the Circumpolar North: A Systematic Realist Review

by Alexandra Sawatzky, Ashlee Cunsolo, Andria Jones-Bitton, Jacqueline Middleton and Sherilee L. Harper

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122706 - 30 Nov 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6712

Abstract

Environments are shifting rapidly in the Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic regions as a result of climate change and other external stressors, and this has a substantial impact on the health of northern populations. Thus, there is a need for integrated surveillance systems designed [...] Read more.

Environments are shifting rapidly in the Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic regions as a result of climate change and other external stressors, and this has a substantial impact on the health of northern populations. Thus, there is a need for integrated surveillance systems designed to monitor the impacts of climate change on human health outcomes as part of broader adaptation strategies in these regions. This review aimed to identify, describe, and synthesize literature on integrated surveillance systems in Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic regions, that are used for research or practice. Following a systematic realist review approach, relevant articles were identified using search strings developed for MEDLINE^® and Web of Science™ databases, and screened by two independent reviewers. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were retained for descriptive quantitative analysis, as well as thematic qualitative analysis, using a realist lens. Of the 3431 articles retrieved in the database searches, 85 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Thematic analysis identified components of integrated surveillance systems that were categorized into three main groups: structural, processual, and relational components. These components were linked to surveillance attributes and activities that supported the operations and management of integrated surveillance. This review advances understandings of the distinct contributions of integrated surveillance systems and data to discerning the nature of changes in climate and environmental conditions that affect population health outcomes and determinants in the Circumpolar North. Findings from this review can be used to inform the planning, design, and evaluation of integrated surveillance systems that support evidence-based public health research and practice in the context of increasing climate change and the need for adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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21 pages, 2707 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Climate Change, Health and Existential Risks to Civilization: A Comprehensive Review (1989–2013)

by Colin D. Butler

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(10), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15102266 - 16 Oct 2018

Cited by 110 | Viewed by 24726

Abstract

Background: Anthropogenic global warming, interacting with social and other environmental determinants, constitutes a profound health risk. This paper reports a comprehensive literature review for 1989–2013 (inclusive), the first 25 years in which this topic appeared in scientific journals. It explores the extent to [...] Read more.

Background: Anthropogenic global warming, interacting with social and other environmental determinants, constitutes a profound health risk. This paper reports a comprehensive literature review for 1989–2013 (inclusive), the first 25 years in which this topic appeared in scientific journals. It explores the extent to which articles have identified potentially catastrophic, civilization-endangering health risks associated with climate change. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were primarily used to identify articles which were then ranked on a three-point scale. Each score reflected the extent to which papers discussed global systemic risk. Citations were also analyzed. Results: Of 2143 analyzed papers 1546 (72%) were scored as one. Their citations (165,133) were 82% of the total. The proportion of annual papers scored as three was initially high, as were their citations but declined to almost zero by 1996, before rising slightly from 2006. Conclusions: The enormous expansion of the literature appropriately reflects increased understanding of the importance of climate change to global health. However, recognition of the most severe, existential, health risks from climate change was generally low. Most papers instead focused on infectious diseases, direct heat effects and other disciplinary-bounded phenomena and consequences, even though scientific advances have long called for more inter-disciplinary collaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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14 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Wellbeing in South Africa

by Matthew F. Chersich, Caradee Y. Wright, Francois Venter, Helen Rees, Fiona Scorgie and Barend Erasmus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(9), 1884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091884 - 31 Aug 2018

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 23692

Abstract

Given its associated burden of disease, climate change in South Africa could be reframed as predominately a health issue, one necessitating an urgent health-sector response. The growing impact of climate change has major implications for South Africa, especially for the numerous vulnerable groups [...] Read more.

Given its associated burden of disease, climate change in South Africa could be reframed as predominately a health issue, one necessitating an urgent health-sector response. The growing impact of climate change has major implications for South Africa, especially for the numerous vulnerable groups in the country. We systematically reviewed the literature by searching PubMed and Web of Science. Of the 820 papers screened, 34 were identified that assessed the impacts of climate change on health in the country. Most papers covered effects of heat on health or on infectious diseases (20/34; 59%). We found that extreme weather events are the most noticeable effects to date, especially droughts in the Western Cape, but rises in vector-borne diseases are gaining prominence. Climate aberration is also linked in myriad ways with outbreaks of food and waterborne diseases, and possibly with the recent Listeria epidemic. The potential impacts of climate change on mental health may compound the multiple social stressors that already beset the populace. Climate change heightens the pre-existing vulnerabilities of women, fishing communities, rural subsistence farmers and those living in informal settlements. Further gender disparities, eco-migration and social disruptions may undermine the prevention—but also treatment—of HIV. Our findings suggest that focused research and effective use of surveillance data are required to monitor climate change’s impacts; traditional strengths of the country’s health sector. The health sector, hitherto a fringe player, should assume a greater leadership role in promoting policies that protect the public’s health, address inequities and advance the country’s commitments to climate change accords. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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13 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Change Impacts on Disaster and Emergency Medicine Focusing on Mitigation Disruptive Effects: an International Perspective

by Daniel Aiham Ghazali, Maximilien Guericolas, Frédéric Thys, François Sarasin, Pedro Arcos González and Enrique Casalino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071379 - 1 Jul 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 10512

Abstract

In recent decades, climate change has been responsible for an increase in the average temperature of the troposphere and of the oceans, with consequences on the frequency and intensity of many extreme weather phenomena. Climate change’s effects on natural disasters can be expected [...] Read more.

In recent decades, climate change has been responsible for an increase in the average temperature of the troposphere and of the oceans, with consequences on the frequency and intensity of many extreme weather phenomena. Climate change’s effects on natural disasters can be expected to induce a rise in humanitarian crises. In addition, it will surely impact the population’s long-term general health, especially among the most fragile. There are foreseeable health risks that both ambulatory care organizations and hospitals will face as global temperatures rise. These risks include the geographic redistribution of infectious (particularly zoonotic) diseases, an increase in cardiac and respiratory illnesses, as well as a host of other health hazards. Some of these risks have been detailed for most developed countries as well as for some developing countries. Using these existing risk assessments as a template, organizational innovations as well as implementation strategies should be proposed to mitigate the disruptive effects of these health risks on emergency departments and by extension, reduce the negative impact of climate change on the populations they serve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

1829 KiB

Open AccessReview

Health Co-Benefits of Green Building Design Strategies and Community Resilience to Urban Flooding: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

by Adele Houghton and Carlos Castillo-Salgado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(12), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14121519 - 6 Dec 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 11837

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly exacerbating existing population health hazards, as well as resulting in new negative health effects. Flooding is one particularly deadly example of its amplifying and expanding effect on public health. This systematic review considered evidence linking green building strategies in [...] Read more.

Climate change is increasingly exacerbating existing population health hazards, as well as resulting in new negative health effects. Flooding is one particularly deadly example of its amplifying and expanding effect on public health. This systematic review considered evidence linking green building strategies in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design^® (LEED) Rating System with the potential to reduce negative health outcomes following exposure to urban flooding events. Queries evaluated links between LEED credit requirements and risk of exposure to urban flooding, environmental determinants of health, co-benefits to public health outcomes, and co-benefits to built environment outcomes. Public health co-benefits to leveraging green building design to enhance flooding resilience included: improving the interface between humans and wildlife and reducing the risk of waterborne disease, flood-related morbidity and mortality, and psychological harm. We conclude that collaborations among the public health, climate change, civil society, and green building sectors to enhance community resilience to urban flooding could benefit population health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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Other

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22 pages, 3191 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Assessment of the Public Health Threats Posed by Vector-Borne Disease in the United Kingdom (UK)

by Jolyon M. Medlock, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Ben Cull, Emma Gillingham and Steve Leach

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(10), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15102145 - 29 Sep 2018

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 8019

Abstract

In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native [...] Read more.

In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector for dengue and chikungunya virus. In 2010, Culex modestus, a principal mosquito vector for West Nile virus was detected in large numbers in the Thames estuary. For tick-borne diseases, data on the changing distribution of the Lyme borreliosis tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, has recently been published, at a time when there has been an increase in the numbers of reported human cases of Lyme disease. This paper brings together the latest surveillance data and pertinent research on vector-borne disease in the UK, and its relevance to public health. It highlights the need for continued vector surveillance systems to monitor our native mosquito and tick fauna, as well as the need to expand surveillance for invasive species. It illustrates the importance of maintaining surveillance capacity that is sufficient to ensure accurate and timely disease risk assessment to help mitigate the UK’s changing emerging infectious disease risks, especially in a time of climatic and environmental change and increasing global connectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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8 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Management of Leishmaniases in the Era of Climate Change in Morocco

by Kahime Kholoud, Sereno Denis, Bounoua Lahouari, Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan and Bouhout Souad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071542 - 20 Jul 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6569

Abstract

The proliferation of vector-borne diseases are predicted to increase in a changing climate and Leishmaniases, as a vector-borne diseases, are re-emerging diseases in several regions of the world. In Morocco, during the last decade, a sharp increase in cutaneous leishmaniases cases has been [...] Read more.

The proliferation of vector-borne diseases are predicted to increase in a changing climate and Leishmaniases, as a vector-borne diseases, are re-emerging diseases in several regions of the world. In Morocco, during the last decade, a sharp increase in cutaneous leishmaniases cases has been reported. Nevertheless, in Morocco, leishmaniases are a major public health problem, and little interest was given to climate change impacts on the distribution and spread of these diseases. As insect-borne diseases, the incidence and distribution of leishmaniases are influenced by environmental changes, but also by several socio-economic and cultural factors. From a biological point of view, environmental variables have effects on the survival of insect vectors and mammalian reservoirs, which, in turn, affects transmission. Here, we highlight the effects of climate change in Morocco and discuss its consequences on the epidemiology of leishmaniases to identify challenges and define targeted recommendations to fight this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)

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