Climate Change and Malaria in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Berrang-Ford L., MacLean J. D., Gyorkos Theresa W., Ford J. D., Ogden N. H.
Primary Institution: McGill University
Hypothesis
Climate change will increase the occurrence of temperature conditions suitable for malaria transmission in Canada.
Conclusion
Climate change could increase the potential for locally transmitted malaria in Canada.
Supporting Evidence
- Competent malaria vectors currently exist in southern Canada.
- Historical conditions in Canada have supported endemic malaria transmission.
- Climate change may increase malaria incidence due to trends in international travel and immigration.
- Current models of climate impacts on malaria do not effectively evaluate potential changes in peripheral regions.
Takeaway
This study says that as the climate changes, it might become easier for malaria to spread in Canada, even though it hasn't been a big problem there for a long time.
Methodology
The study used a systems approach to qualitatively assess the potential impacts of climate change on malaria incidence in Canada, integrating ecological and social factors.
Limitations
The study is primarily qualitative and does not provide quantitative models or results to explore the potential impact of climate change on Canadian mosquito vectors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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