Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

Infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The potential impact of climate change on human health, especially emerging infectious diseases is probably large but not yet well understood. Writing in the journal Antiviral Research, they report: ?Climatic, environmental and economic changes, as well as the steadily increasing global trade and personal mobility provide ample opportunities for emerging pathogens with zoonotic potential to spread to previously unaffected countries. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is considered to be one of the major emerging disease threats spreading to and within the European Union following an expanding distribution of its main vector, ticks of the genus Hyalomma.? Recent cases of nosocomial infection of health care workers infected by CCHFV have been documented. These cases stress the needing for a focused education, with particular regard to transmission pathways and to preventive measures; it is also crucial providing adequate resources on contrasting the diffusion of this disease. Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is one of the most important endemic encephalitis in the world especially in Eastern and Southeastern Asia. JEV affects over 50,000 patients and results in 15,000 deaths annually. The presence of JEV in Passeriformes of Tuscany (region in central Italy) constituting the first evidence of this antropo-zoonotic virus in Italy and also in Europe. The positivity to JEV of some house-sparrows confirms the potential epidemiological role of this bird in the Flavivirus Mosquito-borne JEV group spread, as observed for other viruses of JEV complex. Confirmation of potential introduction of JEV to Italy and other European countries is urgently needed. In order to increase surveillance in Europe - improving diagnosis, monitoring and treatment - different elements should be considered.

Biography

Massimo Cecaro after completing the high school in humanistic studies, moved to the University of Camerino, where he got a Master Degree in Veterinary Medicine and in University of Teramo. At the age of 24, he obtained a qualification to practice as a Journalist and in 2007 he was admitted to the National Association of Medical Press (ASMI), where he currently holds the position of National Councilor. He is Resident Member of MJA Medical Journalists Association (London). He has been lecturer of Communication in Medical Sciences in many Universities. He has been an invited speaker at international events in the field of Public Health and Safety. He has been author of several scientific works in public health. He is also director of a prestigious Educational Centre for work safety and public health. He is actively involved in international projects to improve the role of mass-media in medical sciences, and awarded in Philadelphia, with international special recognition.