The potential for greater spread of harmful pathogens is yet another negative aspect of climate change that should be examined closely, according to infectious diseases experts in a recent JAMA article. Atmospheric changes are driving alterations in pathogens and parasites as temperatures rise and weather extremes persist, including severe heat, droughts, and wildfires. Authors found recent rises in vector-borne, zoonotic, fungal, and waterborne diseases they believe are the result of climate change. Conditions such as milder winters can lead to larger tick populations, for example. Tick-related illnesses (eg, babesiosis and Lyme disease) are unexpectedly occurring in winter months and also in regions further north than would be expected.
Knowing what to look for: Authors note that the increased awareness of the various diseases may also be leading to increased rates of diagnoses.
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