Climate Variability, Vulnerability, and Natural Disasters: A Case Study of Zika Virus in Manabi, Ecuador Following the 2016 Earthquake. Issue 8 (14th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sorensen, Cecilia J.; Borbor‐Cordova, Mercy J.; Calvello‐Hynes, Emilie; Diaz, Avriel; Lemery, Jay; Stewart‐Ibarra, Anna M.
• Is Part Of: GeoHealth. Volume 1:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2017-10-14
• Subjects: climate change -- natural disaster -- Zika virus -- vulnerable populations; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1002/2017GH000104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-1403

Abstract

Abstract: Climate change presents complex and wide‐reaching threats to human health. A variable and changing climate can amplify and unmask ecological and socio‐political weaknesses and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in socially vulnerable regions. When natural disasters occur in such areas, underlying climatic conditions may amplify the public health crisis. We describe an emerging epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Ecuador following the 2016 earthquake, which coincided with an exceptionally strong El Niño event. We hypothesize that the trigger of a natural disaster during anomalous climate conditions and underlying social vulnerabilities were force multipliers contributing to a dramatic increase in ZIKV cases postearthquake. Key Points: When natural disasters occur in areas made vulnerable by climate change, the effects are multiplied Climate change makes vulnerable regions even more vulnerable and plays a role in the root cause of the eventual impacts of natural disasters Multisectoral coordination is needed to implement surveillance and response systems to detect and protect vulnerable communities