The webinar was a collaborative effort between MiSBF and the Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. Experts like Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at University of Michigan Dr. Emily Stoneman spoke about environmental and public health challenges associated with climate change, especially with a rise in illnesses born from ticks and mosquitoes here in Michigan, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
“We know that ticks and mosquitoes, we see them primarily during the warmer months of the year. Well, we’re having more warmer months of the year, and so we are starting to see tick and mosquito activity both kind of earlier in the year.”
Stoneman also says rising temps means more rainfall, which increases the chances for insect breeding grounds and waterborne illnesses.
“If we see increased rainfall, that can potentially overwhelm our sewer drainage systems and we could see spread of diarrheal illness.”
Climate and Tracking Unit Manager for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Aaron Ferguson explained how climate change here in Michigan can affect health on a global scale.
“It’s not just what you’re potentially exposed to here in Michigan, but you have the opportunity if you’re travelling to be exposed elsewhere and bring it back.”
