Working together to reduce infection in extreme weather events

Researchers have called for health professionals and climate forecasters to work more closely together ahead of extreme weather events and gradual climate change to help prevent the spread of infections. Lead researcher Dr Aparna Lal from ANU said health researchers were often left out of planning and discussions about the looming climate events. Dr Lal said more collaboration could help reduce the number of cases of human parasitic infection (cryptosporidiosis) primarily spread through water in extreme weather events or due to gradual climate change. The Indian Ocean Dipole, a key climate driver in the oceans around Australia, is related to patterns of a human parasitic infection primarily spread through water.  "Such impacts are usually disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable sections of our populationchildren and the elderly," Dr Lal said. Dr Lal said as the frequency of positive Indian Ocean Dipole phases is expected to increase, there would be drier conditions for much of Australia. "This work provides impetus for research to better anticipate where and in whom climate change may have the greatest effect.