CLIMATE CHANGE
Evidence continues to emerge that climate change is resulting in greater numbers of heat waves and flooding events, bringing more opportunity for waterborne diseases such as cholera and for disease vectors such as mosquitoes in new regions.
Climate change will increase deaths from heat stress, malnutrition and the spread of infectious diseases like malaria, according to the World Health Organization. With disease carriers like mosquitoes increasingly able to live in new unprotected territory, the risk of outbreak is high.
Natural disasters and their resultant flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, may be contributing conditions favorable to a more serious flu season. These conditions are related to mass movements of populations, development of unsanitary conditions, and disruptions in the normal supplies of foods and medicines.
Although natural disasters and war have been a constant companion of mankind, as the human population grows, the effect of these problems on disease transmissions can increase.
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