Sunday, September 23, 2007

GLOBAL WARMING BRINGS THREAT OF TROPICAL DISEASE

Scientists have warned that a crippling tropical disease which has already infected 200 people in Italy, causing one death could be heading from Britain. Chikungunya which has already taken a foothold in Europe, causes fever and crippling muscle pain and is spread by mosquitoes. Health officials stated that it is the first time an outbreak of the disease has been confirmed outside the tropics. There are fears that a succession of mild winters and warm summers could allow the disease to spread to France, Switzerland and the U.K. United Nations scientists have warned that rising world temperatures, a result of global warming, could bring more tropical diseases to Europe in the future. A very worrying prospect.

On a lighter note United Nations scientists also stated that global warming is improving the quality of wine and making it more alcoholic as rising temperatures have led to bumper crops of grapes and increased their sugar content. At last a positive side of global warming!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL! The answer's obvious: just keep drinking the wine and you will never notice how ill you feel from the tropical diseases. :)

Sheila said...

I had heard neither of these stories Naomi. I certainly hope the disease doesn't make it over here because we have so man mosquitoes.

Jackie said...

Living in Southern Africa with millions with AIDS and thousands with cerebral malaria which kills I obviously don't note this as such a big event.

Despite this I am sad to hear so many animals needed to be destroyed in Britain and how cruelly this is probably being done (I remember all the birds being burnt alive with bird flu because they didn't euthanise them properly) with the latest outbreak. The upside is it might actually make people realize if you don't care for animals with compassion we will will pay for it one way or another.

Sorry to sound depressing but I am sick of what is happening around us and so few caring.

Unknown said...

This is scary! Another reason to exterminate the mosquito. We keep watch on all areas where standing water could be a problem and keep buckets and such dumped in an attempt to stop breeding areas.

Naomi said...

If only it were so easy Pamela! Nice to see you again.

Hi Sheila, Yes I hope you stay safe there too. Mosquitoes seem to be everywhere now.

Naomi said...

I know Aids and Malaria has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa Jackie. It's much more serious than what could happen here. I agree there is a lot of cruel treatment towards the animals with everything that's going on. It's all very sad.

Naomi said...

Yes mosquitos can be a problem Janey, especially in very warm climates. You do well not to leave standing water around where they could breed.