Examining the relationship between infectious diseases and flooding in Europe: A systematic literature review and summary of possible public health interventions

Brown, Lisa; Murray, Virginia

1st documented outbreak of leptospirosis in Austria. Four serologically confirmed cases, all triathlon athletes. Triathlon preceded by heavy rainfall (22 mm (Appendices A, D) older studies have shown associations. In Romania, flooded basements were a significant risk factor for WNV in apartment dwellers (p = 0.01). 59 In 1997, heavy rains in Moravia, Czech Republic resulted in flooding, and mosquito populations in the area amplified immediately. 60 WNV activity was reported in the area. Hubálek and Halouzka 61 stated environmental factors such as flooding can facilitate the re-emergence of WNV. be overwhelmed by the flood waters. 51 While flooding may initially wash out vector populations, they return when the waters recede. Receding flood water can provide ideal breeding habitats. Therefore, vector-borne diseases are likely to have mid-term to long-term impacts on health following flooding (Fig. 1) . Vector-borne virus outbreaks are strictly determined by the presence of the pathogen and particular competent disease vectors. 52 The current and future establishment of exotic mosquito species in Europe is a cause for serious concern, as the newly introduced species may already be disease vectors or could potentially become vectors.