Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns will influence the emergence and spread of infectious diseases in Australia, according to Professor Tony McMichael.
In an Australian Academy of Science public lecture entitled Pestilence, pandemics and climate change, Professor McMichael will describe how the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes or by contamination of food and water will be affected by climate change.
“These particularly include dengue fever and Ross River Virus as well as the major causes of gastroenteritis or food poisoning,” he said.
“There is also an increased likelihood of new infectious diseases emerging.”
Professor McMichael will present a variety of examples of how changes in climate have extended the spread of infectious diseases, both historically and in recent decades.
Science Advisor to the Australian Government's Climate Commission, Professor McMichael also advises the World Health Organisation on the impacts of environment, climate and agriculture on infectious disease emergence.
His free public lecture on Tuesday 1 November is the latest in the Academy’s series held to honour the life and work of the late Professor Frank Fenner.
For more information on Professor McMichael see https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/mcmichael-a-j
| What: | Fenner’s Science Today and Tomorrow public lecture series: Pestilence, pandemics and climate change |
|---|---|
| Where: | Shine Dome, Gordon Street, Canberra |
| When: | 5.30 pm, Tuesday 1 November 2011 |
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