blacklegged tick
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is taking some steps to address the health challenges of a changing climate.
Public Health Inspector Sarah DeJonge presented a report to the Board of Health Wednesday that indicated understanding the effects of climate change and associated health impacts will aid in plans to mitigate and adapt to the impacts.
DeJonge reported the insect-borne disease incidence may increase due to a warming climate and insects migrating north.
Extreme weather events, including droughts and floods are projected to increase.
The local health unit already has a number of programs in place such as tick testing for bacteria that causes Lyme Disease and mosquito trapping for West Nile Virus.
There are also water testing and messaging programs.
DeJonge said the next steps include such things as developing maps and graphs, and identifying potential interventions to reduce exposure to climate change impacts.
