Climate Change and Infectious Diseases

The impact of climate change and infectious diseases is becoming more evident as shifts in environmental conditions affect the transmission dynamics of numerous pathogens. Warmer temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns allow disease-carrying vectors, like mosquitoes, to thrive in new areas, increasing the risk of diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, and malaria. Additionally, extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes can disrupt sanitation systems and water supplies, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Understanding the relationship between climate change and infectious diseases is crucial for developing adaptive strategies, including early warning systems and improved infrastructure, to mitigate the public health risks associated with a changing climate.

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