Climate and Contagion: A Deadly Duo

Having just survived the calorie-fest of the Thanksgiving Holiday, show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk reflect on the changing seasons--and that has them thinking NOT just about the weather, but about the climate. Here to discuss the impact of a changing climate on infectious diseases, they welcome Dr. Lauren Rybolt, Chief Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Rybolt mentions that in the Tampa Bay Area, especially after the recent hurricane season, we are already seeing the effects of climate on infectious diseases occuring in real time. The direct effects of two rapidly intensifying hurricanes, Helene and Milton, that impacted Florida in late September and October have led to increased outbreaks of vibrio vulnificus and other waterborne infections, subjects which were highlighted in our very first episode.

Dr. Rybolt explains that the effects of climate change are not singular, but are the results of many interconnected processes. For instance, how warming oceans affect precipitation patterns over the U.S., leading to flooding in some areas and drier conditions in others. Flooding can pollute streams and rivers and contaminate water supplies, while displacing people and increasing exposure to mosquito-borne disease; whereas drought can lead to water insecurity and the health consequences of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. Man made deforestation and land development can worsen the effects of flooding, and at the same time exacerbate climate change due to the loss of ecosystems and carbon-absorbing vegetation, for instance.

Dr. Rybolt goes on to describe how the changing climate is producing an expanding zone of tropical infectious diseases in areas where they never occurred. More cases of Malaria and Dengue have been reported in Florida in recent years, for example. Tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease can expand to non-endemic regions due to climate change, but in Florida, we have been protected by a certain ubiquitous reptile. Certain fungal infections such as Candida auris have also spread beyond their typical "endemic areas" as well.

Lastly, during their "ID News" segment, Vivian and Jackie discuss World AIDS Day, trends in vaccination and respiratory virus season, as well as the recent discovery of Bird Flu in raw milk.

Thanks to Dr. Lauren Rybolt for appearing on this episode to share her knowledge about the infectious diseases impacts of climate change.

Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller, her YES Man, for the wonderful musical contributions and coming through on every idea she has. This time he is joined by his daughter, Isabelle Meiller, for a moving rendition of "Big Yellow Taxi." Thank you Job!

Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.