Results show that both the onset and size of the 2018 dengue outbreak in Réunion island could have been accurately predicted two weeks in advance, with some accuracy three to four weeks in advance — enough time for enhanced preparedness measures.

In recent years, there has been an alarming uptick in the number and geographic spread of mosquito-borne diseases, and the places where mosquitoes can thrive due to the temperature and precipitation of the area are shifting and growing as global temperatures rise and precipitation becomes more variable.

The system tracks places and times in the United States and neighboring regions when climate factors might enhance transmission of illnesses like Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya spread by species of Aedes mosquitoes.

The projects focus on linkages between climate and infectious diseases, heat and/or food systems and nutrition.

Climatic conditions and extreme events have substantial implications for human health and well-being around the world. CPO's International Research and Applications Project (IRAP), joined with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make research funding available to address key knowledge gaps, and advance the use of climate information and services in the reduction of climate-sensitive health risks through the Belmont Forum’s Collaborative Research Action on Climate, Environment and Health.