Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
3.4. Toward remote monitoring systems and early warning
systems applied to the remote monitoring of vibrios and algae
3.4.1. Understanding the effect of global change
3.4.1.1. Vulnerability to global change and epidemics
In 2001, Githeko et al . [GIT 01] wrote “according to current data,
the interannual and interdecade variability of the climate could have a
direct influence on the epidemiology of diseases with vectorial
transmission, added to current factors favorable to these diseases, such
as seasonal meteorological variations, the socio-economic situation,
programs for vector control, modifications in the environment and
resistance to medication”. Climatic factors and the environmental
modifications that flow from them are generally considered to be
effective triggers for some epidemics by amplifying the dynamic of
transmission and diffusion of the pathogenic agents or vectors. In this
context of global change, where the risks of epidemics, pandemics and
the re-emergence of infectious diseases are increasing, there is,
therefore, an urgent need to improve our knowledge of the dynamic
relationships between the climate, environment and health.
3.4.1.2. To adapt, is to predict
The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases with a
strong epidemic potential push agents of public health to adapt their
policies for managing veterinary and human health. This adaptation
requires new means of predicting risks to be put in place. In this
context, the study of climate-dependent infectious diseases requires
knowledge of the environmental factors favorable to the emergence
and propagation of the disease. A first step for predicting risk consists
of identifying the proliferation zones of pathogen agents and/or the
vectors. This knowledge then permits risk zones for human and
animal populations to be identified and modeled and the arrival of
these diseases to be anticipated by putting in place early warning
systems (SAP). The prediction of these exposure zones for hosts and
pathogens or hosts and vectors of infectious diseases can then allow
strategies for adaptation to be put in place in order to lessen the impact
of global change.
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