Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Lukewarm Winter, a Warm-up Time for Many Diseases

by Medindia Content Team on Jan 18 2007 3:34 PM

Blame it on global warming; winters seem to be losing their chillness. Canadian winters, thought to be a protection against many tropical diseases, may now be powerless to protect against diseases, in the face of global warming.

Dr. Neil Rau, an infectious diseases expert commented, 'Either the geographical distribution can become more extensive for diseases, or the duration of the season of risk can increase. Or even more unusually, someone can import a new disease, the way West Nile came to North America.'

Warm winters cause an increase in the mosquito population, making the region, a haven for diseases. After feeding on the blood of infected birds, mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus to humans. Ticks are also causing worry, as they are carriers of Lyme disease. And with warm winters, ticks could spread the disease all over Canada.



Source-Medindia
SAV


Advertisement