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Published on: May 30, 2017
Wind direction and its linkage with Vibrio cholerae dissemination
1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. shlomit@geo.haifa.ac.il
Environmental Health Perspectives
|March 27, 2007
Summary
Winds may spread cholera bacteria across continents. This study links dominant wind direction to cholera epidemic spread, suggesting aeroplankton as a transmission vector.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Climatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Climatic events are known cholera epidemic drivers.
- Intracontinental spread of cholera linked to climate remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of dominant wind direction in cholera epidemic spread over land.
- Explore the hypothesis that winds facilitate intracontinental dissemination of cholera.
Main Methods:
- Geographic diffusion analysis of three cholera outbreaks (Vibrio cholerae O1 in Africa 1970-71 & 2005-06; Vibrio cholerae O139 in India 1992-93).
- Correlation of outbreak spread with dominant wind direction using air pressure data.
- Discussion of windborne dissemination via insect vectors.
Main Results:
- A clear correspondence was observed between dominant wind direction and intracontinental cholera spread in Africa and India.
- Analysis of air pressure data supported the link between wind patterns and disease diffusion.
Conclusions:
- Winds likely assist the continental progress of cholera Vibrios.
- Aeroplankton may carry cholera bacteria between water bodies, explaining rapid spread.
- Findings enhance understanding of climatic factors in cholera dissemination and aid epidemic prediction.
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