How Climate Change is Helping the Spread of Infectious Diseases

When we think of climate change, we often picture melting glaciers, raging wildfires and soaring temperatures. Rarely do we think about its effect on the spread of infectious diseases and the downstream effects on human health.

But the truth is that warmer, shorter winters; changes in precipitation patterns; extreme weather events and habitat encroachment have created ideal conditions for the spread of new pathogens.

Infectious disease specialists from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of California have authored a new review in JAMA that highlights the impact of this growing threat and calls for more training and awareness among the medical community. Read more.