Epidemics, Pandemics & Healthcare Revisited

Aeon essays present a fascinating illustration of the effect of climate change on habitat, protective coats, furs, diet, and tick proliferation. The difference between winter ticks, summer ticks, black ticks, etc. Interesting reading but to those with limited interests. The denouement is that tick borne diseases are increasing in scope and severity across the country and indeed, across the world. One of the varieties of ticks carries lyme disease and its proliferation has caused experts to challenge its characterization as an endemic disease (restricted to a geographical area and a population therein by the CDC). As it spreads across state lines (Maine to New Hampshire to Connecticut to New York) it fits more clearly the definition of an epidemic. (The subject material was excerpted from Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change by Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Copyright @2018 Mary Beth Pfeifer. Reproduced by permission of Island Press, Washington, DC.Islandpress.org)

The Ebola Virus

Ebola is a deadly virus that has many forms. It causes a contagious illness (spread by physical contact) that is endemic in parts of Africa and areas that have usually been remote. It is associated with ingestion or contact with diseased animals (bush meat). There are at least 5 varieties of ebola, one of which can be spread through the air (pneumonic). Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria far outstripping Abuja its capital in size and industry. The disease is now established in the city. Animal vectors and uman carriers have access to international travel paths through airlines which transport people and packages. Screening for cough and body temperature are crude and only weakly effective ways of isolating carriers. Increasing temperatures and lack of water seem to be driving animals which were once confined to forest areas, closer to towns and the big cities.

The Zika Virus

The culex mosquito has traveled from the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and Central America to the U.S. This is bringing in the disease zika. The mosquito aedes aegypti is associated with dengue, yellow fever, etc. In short, epidemiologists now identify such diseases as having a sylvatic phase (Jungle), a savannah or intermediaee phase, and an urban phase. This is the ultimate threat to mankind. Dengue and malaria are more proximate risks than ever before thanks to climate change and vector adaptation.

Increased Shark Attacks

Shark attacks have increased worldwide as waters warm and shark species follow prey fish and sea mammals. They have moved to previously unacceptable sites but are now sites where algae and coral invite habitation. Coyotes have invaded urban settings and their pack behavior now threatens humans as well as their pets. Feral dogs in packs now threaten urban scenes, and this behavior is not confined to Australian dingoes and African wild dogs. In the U.S (San Francisco) a child was bitten by a seal which had fed on a poisonous mollusc, which in turn poisoned by proliferating toxic algae.

The Threat of Climate Change

Climate change is real and probably irreversible. The unusual cases that pique our interest and curiosity will soon overwhelm our health care systems. Legitimate concerns such as honoring eligibility despite pre-existing conditions and maternal and paternal leaves with reimbursement need to be addressed system wise. All before burgeoning opioid and substance epidemics are joined by trauma epidemics that will be brought on by climate change. At the time of writing this, a tourist snorkeler has been reported to be killed by a great white shark while snorkeling on Rose Island in the Bahamas. This is the fifth or sixth reported shark attack affecting U.S. citizens in the last month. Once again don't be passive. Assert your need to know and your need for factual reassurance.