The effect of climate change on risk of anthrax infection in the Kobuk Valley, Alaska

Garrett, Kimberly (2017) The effect of climate change on risk of anthrax infection in the Kobuk Valley, Alaska. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

	Microsoft Word Submitted Version Available under License : See the attached license file. Download (524kB)
	Plain Text (licence) Available under License : See the attached license file. Download (1kB)

Abstract

Because of rising global temperatures, erosion, and anthropogenic environmental degradation, permafrost in the Arctic is melting. B. anthracis spores preserved in the frozen ground can be rendered active upon thaw. This melt and release is responsible for an environmentally-mediated anthrax outbreak in northern Siberia in 2016, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of reindeer and the hospitalization of 90 people. Re-emergent anthrax has the potential to impact communities across the Arctic, especially indigenous peoples and those who practice subsistence hunting. An environmental anthrax outbreak poses a significant threat to public health, as it directly infects humans and depletes the resources they use for food, shelter, and income. Risk of an environmental anthrax outbreak was assessed for the Kobuk Valley, Alaska, which possesses multiple risk factors for such an event, including its geologic profile, agricultural history, wildlife dynamics, and vulnerability to climate change. These factors are examined in detail in order to assess the risk of an anthrax outbreak in the Kobuk Valley. The risk of an immediate outbreak is currently low. However, the progression of climate change will modify contributing factors and increase risk over time. Thus, preventative surveillance and outbreak response preparation are essential for the Kobuk Valley and similar Arctic regions.

---

Share

Citation/Export:	Select format... Citation - Text Citation - HTML Endnote BibTex Dublin Core OpenURL MARC (ISO 2709) METS MODS EP3 XML Reference Manager Refer
Social Networking:	Share |

---

Details

Item Type:	Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status:	Unpublished
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Garrett, Kimberly KKG12@pitt.edu KKG12
Contributors:	Contribution Contributors Name Email Pitt Username ORCID Committee Chair Pearce, Linda lip10@pitt.edu UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Committee Member Thibodeau, Patrick UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Date:	27 April 2017
Date Type:	Submission
Submission Date:	31 March 2017
Access Restriction:	No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Publisher:	University of Pittsburgh
Institution:	University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs:	School of Public Health > Environmental and Occupational Health
Degree:	MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type:	Master Essay
Refereed:	Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:	anthrax, public, health, climate, change, environmental, health, permafrost
Date Deposited:	18 Jul 2017 17:54
Last Modified:	24 Nov 2021 11:55
URI:	http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/31620

Available Versions of this Item

• The effect of climate change on risk of anthrax infection in the Kobuk Valley, Alaska. (deposited 18 Jul 2017 17:54) [Currently Displayed]

---

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

---

Actions (login required)

View Item