Abstract
Approximately five million cholera cases and one hundred and twenty thousand resulting deaths are reported annually. Past and present trends in cholera outbreaks along the Congo have led to great speculation about the influence of climate change on public health in that region. Thus, the research conducted sought to examine recent and past weather changes in relation to cholera outbreaks along the Congo River. Recent literature and correlation studies were used to associate the abundance and distribution of Vibrio cholerae with sea surface temperature, ocean currents, and weather changes. It was found that in several countries such as Peru, Mexico, Bangladesh and several African countries, cholera epidemics have been associated with flooding and sea surface temperatures resulting from more intense El Nino cycles. Climatic and environmental changes alter the growth of Vibrio cholerae in various ways. The most influence is on phytoplankton blooms as Vibrio cholerae most commonly attaches to the exoskeleton and abdomen of copepods, which feed on phytoplankton.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Deanne Roopnarine
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
Cholera Outbreak along the Congo River in Relation to Climatic and Environmental Changes
Alvin Sherman Library
Approximately five million cholera cases and one hundred and twenty thousand resulting deaths are reported annually. Past and present trends in cholera outbreaks along the Congo have led to great speculation about the influence of climate change on public health in that region. Thus, the research conducted sought to examine recent and past weather changes in relation to cholera outbreaks along the Congo River. Recent literature and correlation studies were used to associate the abundance and distribution of Vibrio cholerae with sea surface temperature, ocean currents, and weather changes. It was found that in several countries such as Peru, Mexico, Bangladesh and several African countries, cholera epidemics have been associated with flooding and sea surface temperatures resulting from more intense El Nino cycles. Climatic and environmental changes alter the growth of Vibrio cholerae in various ways. The most influence is on phytoplankton blooms as Vibrio cholerae most commonly attaches to the exoskeleton and abdomen of copepods, which feed on phytoplankton.
