Climate Change Linked to Diarrhea Outbreaks in Britain

Climate change may be sparking outbreaks of diarrhea in Britain, scientists warn. A study by researchers at the University of Surrey found a clear link between warmer conditions and more salmonella cases in England and Wales.

Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, often due to eating undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk. However, climate change is now believed to play a crucial role in transmission. Researchers analyzed weather data from 2000 to 2016 alongside confirmed salmonella cases and found that warmer air temperatures above 50°F (10°C), low relative humidity, reduced precipitation, and longer day lengths increased the spread of the bacteria.

While other factors like air pressure, wind speed, and sunshine duration showed little association, these conditions created an ideal environment for salmonella to grow. The study’s findings were validated by analyzing weather and health data from the Netherlands between 2015 and 2019.

The researchers acknowledge that causation cannot be confirmed and that other environmental factors may influence disease transmission. However, they emphasize the need for better understanding of disease behavior to prepare for public health impacts due to climate change. As temperatures rise, more people may engage in activities like barbecues, potentially increasing the spread of bacteria via food.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14337241/Climate-change-outbreaks-DIARRHOEA-scientists.html