Climate and Infectious Disease
Synoptic Climatology Lab
Center for Climatic Research - University of Delaware

Lyme Disease and Climate

Summary of Goals for Current Project

Dengue Hemorragic Fever and Climate

Dengue and Climate Research Summary

Malaria and Climate

Malaria and Climate Change Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of climate change on the transmission and spread of malaria. Climatic conditions, especially temperature and precipitation, influence the development and longevity of the mosquito vectors, as we ll as the time in which the malarial parasite develops. Given global warming, areas favorable to malaria transmission are expected to increase, causing a worldwide increase of potential malaria risk. This project aims to develop a model which will predi ct the future range of malaria under various climate change scenarios.

Data for two malaria-transmitting mosquitos, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus, were collected weekly from two sites in western Kenya. The mosquito populations were sampled from 1985 to 1992.

Initial results indicate that A. gambiae exhibited a much higher man biting rate (MBR) and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) than A. funestus. Recorded MBR and EIR values were notably higher for both sites and both mosquito species during the yea rs 1986, 1987, and 1988. Relationships between climatic factors, including water budget and synoptic analysis, and mosquito activity are being established to predict future mosquito activity under various climate scenarios.
Written by Paula Fornwalt, Undergraduate Assistant

Rodent Dynamics - Climatic Influence

Recent population booms of several rodent species in the United States have been under close investigation by health researchers. These rodent species in the family hantavirus are capable of spreading human disease; their activities and populations must be monitored closely. A goal of this project is to uncover any weather-related causes for population booms, such as global warming or precipitation trends. Through better understanding of the factors which effect these rodent populations, it is possible to predict future outbreaks which may be of danger to humans.
Written by Tim Stetter, Undergraduate Assistant

Climate/Cotton Rat Analysis - Preliminary Results