We use cookies to imporve your experience. By using our site, you consent to our cookie policy Learn more
arrow arrow_up breadcrumb-chevron-right breadcrumb-home dropdown-arrow-down loader GALogoWUNEP GALogo2018 GALogo2019 menu read-more-plus rrss-email rrss-facebook rrss-flickr rrss-instagram rrss-linkedin rrss-twitter rrss-vimeo rrss-youtube rrss_google_plus rrss_skype rrss_web pdf search share Completed In Process Ideas In Develpment Toogle Toogle Thumbnail View List View play close filter-collapse filter edit media_photo_library media_video_library graphics pictures videos collections next

The northward spread of infectious disease

Zoonoses are infections or infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and other organisms that can transfer from animals to humans. Zoonoses are transmitted through a variety of pathways, including direct contact between animals and humans, insect bites, ingesting food and water contaminated with parasites and through the air. A rapidly warming Arctic may cause animal hosts or insect vectors to expand north into previously inhospitable terrain. This will bring them and their pathogens into contact with human populations in the Arctic. The potential spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases in Arctic ecosystems and societies needs further research. Early warning systems and preventive measures also need to be implemented. Source: D. Porretta et al., Effects of global changes on the climatic niche of the tick Ixodes ricinus inferred by species distribution modelling, Parasites and Vectors, 2013; M. G. Walsh et al., Climatic influence on anthrax suitability in warming northern latitudes, Scientific Reports, Nature, 2018; M. McPherson et al., Expansion of the Lyme Disease Vector Ixodes Scapularis in Canada Inferred from CMIP5 Climate Projections, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2017.

Year: 2019

From collection: Global linkages – a graphic look at the changing Arctic (rev.1)

Cartographer: Philippe Rekacewicz and Nieves Lopez Izquierdo

Tags: Arctic climate change vital graphics

Graphics included in same album

View all media

Publications it appears in

View all publications

Related activities

View all activities

Related news

View all news