Infectious Diseases Under the Influence of Changing Environmental Factors

Abstract

Changing environmental conditions are not only the result of the direct impact of climate change, but represent also the consequences of migration, urbanisation and the globalisation of trade and human mobility. In consequence, changes in the occurrence of infectious diseases in humans and animals ensue. Several infectious diseases which were hitherto considered “exotic” in Europe have largely lost this feature and can now occur nearly everywhere. These include a number of arthropod-borne diseases such as Bluetongue, which mainly affects ruminants, West Nile Fever in humans, horses and birds, as well as Chikungunya Fever in humans. There is a trend towards a global spread of Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalitis, associated with extension of the habitats of the respective arthropod vectors. In addition, transportation of animals and products of animal origin has caused the spread of animal diseases, notably of Rift Valley Fever from Africa to the Arabic peninsula and of African Swine Fever from East Africa into the Caucasus region where it shows a clear tendency of spreading in a northerly and westerly direction. Therefore, we propose to stop using the term “exotic” for these diseases, because infections that are today considered “exotic”, may tomorrow be part of our daily life.