Description
Climate change is impacting transmission of infections leading to frequent, larger and more complex outbreaks in our communities. People who have been historically and disproportionately impacted by communicable disease spread, including those who experience barriers to healthcare access, are likely to be at greater risk for adverse infection related health outcomes brought on by climate change. King County will evaluate and update its communicable disease surveillance approaches and external communications incorporating the One Health framework which acknowledges the health impacts related to the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment. In a One Health approach, climate and environmental data (e.g. temperature, precipitation, humidity, vector abundance, etc.) are integrated into communicable disease surveillance systems to understand and monitor the relationships between climate factors and local/regional disease trends; enhance capacity for early detection of emerging disease threats; increase public and healthcare provider awareness through outreach and education; and implement prevention and control measures to mitigate risk, focusing on vulnerable populations. The expanded surveillance will involve enhancing existing and developing new data systems to incorporate additional data and sample collection, testing, analysis, reporting, and interpretation. Updated communications will support partner agencies to expand adoption and dissemination of the One Health framework, aligning with state and national efforts.