The political season – if it can be defined as a discrete season – brings with it debate over several recurring issues. One of these is climate change. Whether global shifts in climate are accelerated by human activity or are simply part of a natural cycle, one thing is indisputable: diseases are appearing in heretofore unaffected regions. Chagas, a parasitic disease, is increasingly identified around Houston and in Southern California. Dengue fever and chikungunya have been diagnosed in Florida. All are historically tropical diseases and typically acquired via travel to an area where they are endemic; but no longer.  

Chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted via insect vectors known as Triatominae or kissing bugs. The disease is prevalent in areas of high poverty and can linger undetected for years, or even decades, before resulting in cardiac damage and possible death. Triatominae are well adapted to hot and humid climates such as in the Southern United States.  

Heat and humidity also harbor mosquitos. Most of the mosquitoes that torment us in warm weather are simply a nuisance. One kind, Aedes aegypti, is a non-native species that can carry dengue fever, chikungunya and Yellow Fever. A. aegypti has migrated to the U.S. Southeast. The mechanism of transmission for dengue and chikungunya are now permanent residents of the Southeast. (Yellow fever has not been detected in the U.S.)

Dengue and chikungunya are viral infections that afflict as many as 400 million people worldwide. Symptoms of dengue are sudden-onset fever, headache (typically located behind the eyes), muscle and joint pain and a rash. Chikungunya indications include sudden onset of high fever, joint pain and rash. Other symptoms may occur, including headache, fatigue, digestive complaints and conjunctivitis.

The changing climate creates an environment conducive to the vectors that spread these diseases. Increased global travel and trade transport both these insects and, carried by humans and animals, the diseases they can transmit. This has been seen with the spread of SARS, MERS and West Nile. It is increasingly seen with what we call tropical diseases.

The question has been posed; will climate change cause a spike in disease risk? The answer is a definitive “Yes.”

Will your school or business survive a communicable illness outbreak? Do you have a plan?

What are the objectives of a communicable illness plan?
To achieve the following objectives:

• Obtain the necessary support and resources from the school/business community (made up of the management, employees, etc.), as well as community partners, stakeholders, lawmakers and decision-makers, in advance of an outbreak
• Establish a framework for identifying, preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from a pandemic outbreak that may impact the school or business community
• Address any/all large-scale communicable illness outbreaks
• Provide awareness and communication to the school or business community
• Protect the health and safety of the school or business community
• Communicate effectively and timely through escalating impacts
• Limit the number of illnesses and deaths within the school or business community
• Preserve continuity of essential school/busines functions
• Minimize educational, social and workplace disruption
• Minimize academic and/or economic losses

Not sure where to start your pandemic planning? Learn more in our free online book, Disaster Ready People for a Disaster Ready America. If you have additional questions, please call Firestorm at 770-643-1114 or reach out via our CONTACT form and let us assure your school or organization is doing everything possible to keep students, employees and your community safe.

About Dr. Don Donahue

Dr. Donald Donahue JR., DHEd, MBA, FACHE, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret), is as an Advisory Member to the American Academy of Disaster Medicine www.aadm.us.

With more than 30 years experience as a healthcare administrator in the military, government and private sectors, Dr. Donahue is a recognized expert in healthcare operations, medical readiness, medical and dental readiness, emergency preparedness, and bioterrorism. He applies an innovative approach to program development, operational analysis, and marketing solutions. Learn more about Dr. Donahue.

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