Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2013 Apr 1;1(2):117-127.
doi: 10.4161/dish.25216. eCollection 2013 Apr-Dec.

Examining the relationship between infectious diseases and flooding in Europe: A systematic literature review and summary of possible public health interventions

Lisa Brown  1 , Virginia Murray  1
Affiliations
Review

Examining the relationship between infectious diseases and flooding in Europe: A systematic literature review and summary of possible public health interventions

Lisa Brown et al. Disaster Health. .

Abstract

Introduction Many infectious diseases are sensitive to climatic changes; specifically, flooding. This systematic literature review aimed to strengthen the quality and completeness of evidence on infectious diseases following flooding, relevant to Europe. Methods A systematic literature review from 2004-2012 was performed. Focused searches of the following databases were conducted: Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Evidence Aid. Personal communications with key informants were also reviewed. Results Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggested that water-borne, rodent-borne, and vector-borne diseases have been associated with flooding in Europe, although at a lower incidence than developing countries. Conclusion Disease surveillance and early warning systems, coupled with effective prevention and response capabilities, can reduce current and future vulnerability to infectious diseases following flooding.

Keywords: climate change; flooding; infectious diseases; natural disaster; rodent-borne; vector-borne; water-borne.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

None
Figure 1. The occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks following flooding in relation to time.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Few R. Flood hazards, vulnerability, and risk reduction. In: [Few R and Matthies F, eds] Flood hazards and health: Responding to present and future risks. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. 2006. Earthscan.
    1. Adikari Y, Yoshitani J. Global trends in water-related disasters: An insight for policy-makers. The United Nations world water assessment program. International center for water hazard and risk management. 2009. Available from: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001817/181793e.pdf [Accessed on 6/6/12].
    1. Keim ME. . Building human resilience: the role of public health preparedness and response as an adaptation to climate change. Am J Prev Med 2008; 35:508 - 16; http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1016/j.amepre.2008.08.022; PMID: 18929977 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Jakubicka T, Vos F, Phalkey R, Marx M. Health impacts of floods in Europe: data gaps and needs from a spatial perspective. A MICRODIS REPORT. CRED. 2010. Available from: http://www.preventionweb.net/files/19820_healthimpactsoffloodsineurope1.pdf [Accessed on 7/6/12].
    1. Barredo JI. . Major flood disasters in Europe: 1950–2005. Nat Hazards 2007; 42:125 - 48; http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1007/s11069-006-9065-2 - DOI

LinkOut - more resources