Economic Burden of Foodborne Vibrio Infections Projected to Rise Due to Climate Change
The effects of climate change are projected to increase the economic burden of foodborne Vibrio infections in the U.S., warns the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA’s ERS).
According to USDA, as sea surface temperatures rise due to climate change, the range and season of Vibrio infections are expected to expand. Instances of this phenomenon have already occurred, for example, in 2004, a Vibrio outbreak happened in Alaska, 600 miles north of any previously recorded. Additionally, Vibrio infections are now regular occurrences in Oregon and Washington, where they were once rare.