Human Plague In US: The Importance Of Regional And Local Climate

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;  Aid / Disasters;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 04 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The paper analyze the dynamics of human plague cases (caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis) in Western United States.

Using data for the last 56 years on human plague cases we show that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) contribute to determining the dynamics of plague in this part of the world.

We propose that the PDO's impact on plague is conveyed through its effect on precipitation and temperature and the effect of precipitation and temperature on plague hosts and vectors: warmer and wetter climate leading to increased plague activity and thus an increased number of human cases.

Royal Society journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

Biology Letters