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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Precarious Relationship
1Nancy Munro is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Critical Care Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10-CRC, Room 2C145, Bethesda, MD 20892 (munronl@cc.nih.gov).
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Climate change is apparent. Temperatures are rising. Floods are more frequent and devastating. Climate changes can favor the development of emerging infectious diseases. The number of animal reservoirs and vector hosts can increase, further spreading pathogens. Many emerging infectious diseases were not historically considered major threats in US but have become a major concern in US territories and various states. In June 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network advisory about an increase in local transmission of dengue fever. Preventing the transmission of emerging infectious diseases has become a focus of regulatory agencies. Nurse education at all levels should include infectious diseases and be coordinated with local, state, and regional institutions. Emerging infectious diseases are now formidable challenges to health care.
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