Background:Dengue fever, caused by a mosquito-transmitted virus, is an increasing health concern in the Americas. Meteorological variables such as temperature and precipitation can affect disease distribution and abundance through biophysical impacts on the vector and on the virus. Such tightly coupled links may facilitate further spread of dengue fever under a changing climate. In the southeastern United States, the dengue vector is widely established and exists on the current fringe of dengue transmission.Objectives:We assessed projected climate change–driven shifts in dengue transmission risk in this region.Methods:We used a dynamic mosquito population and virus transmission model driven by meteorological data to simulate Aedes aegypti populations and dengue cases in 23 locations in the southeastern United States under current climate conditions and future climate projections. We compared estimates for each location with simulations based on observed data from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where dengue is endemic.Results:Our simulations based on current climate data suggest that dengue transmission at levels similar to those in San Juan is possible at several U.S. locations during the summer months, particularly in southern Florida and Texas. Simulations that include climate change projections suggest that conditions may become suitable for virus transmission in a larger number of locations and for a longer period of time during each year. However, in contrast with San Juan, U.S. locations would not sustain year-round dengue transmission according to our model.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that Dengue virus (DENV) transmission is limited by low winter temperatures in the mainland United States, which are likely to prevent its permanent establishment. Although future climate conditions may increase the length of the mosquito season in many locations, projected increases in dengue transmission are limited to the southernmost locations.Citation:Butterworth MK, Morin CW, Comrie AC. 2017. An analysis of the potential impact of climate change on dengue transmission in the southeastern United States. Environ Health Perspect 125:579–585; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP218

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The category of superfoods first gained traction in the mid-1980s and has only become more prevalent since. Despite this popularity, contestations exist over the validity of the term, the science behind it, and its utility for consumers. However, systematic and scholarly investigations into the idea of the superfood remain limited. Using content and discourse analyses on global English-speaking news media, this paper examines the breadth of comestibles considered superfoods, the ways in which these foods are being mobilized to address particular health concerns, and the wider socio, political, and environmental contexts surrounding superfoods. Our analysis revealed a total of 217 foods were considered superfoods, and were linked to 71 conditions, that primarily emphasize the ability of individuals to optimize their health by preventing possible future illness. We contend that socio-environmental researchers have much to offer into critical investigations of the superfoods phenomenon.

La aparición y persistencia de las enfermedades son inherentemente fenómenos geográficos, y programas para prevenir ambos factores son más eficaces a una escala local. Específicamente, las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos a menudo pueden prevenirse con precauciones personales e individuales, sin embargo, la acción de prevención efectiva generalmente resultada de programas eficaces de salud pública que enseñan medidas preventivas. Este estudio utiliza los principios de la ecología de la enfermedad y el Modelo de Creencias en Salud para examinar las percepciones de las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos y acciones preventivas en el suroeste de Virginia, EE.UU. utilizando una encuesta. Los resultados sugieren un bajo conocimiento de las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos entre los participantes, a pesar de los recientes casos de encefalitis de La Crosse y la introducción del virus del Nilo Occidental en las aves. Además, el género, la edad, y el tiempo residiendo en el condado son vaticinadores significativos del conocimiento, la percepción de la eficacia de las medidas preventivas, y los comportamientos sanitarios, re-spectivamente. Estos resultados apoyan la aplicación del Modelo de Creencias en Salud dentro de un marco de la ecología de las enfermedades para estudiar las enfermedades infecciosas y ayudar en la adaptación de programas locales de salud pública.

Abstract. Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral infection. Recent outbreaks in the southern United States illustrate the risk of reemergence. The first autochthonous cases since 1934 in Key West, FL, occurred in 2009-2010. We conducted a survey in 2012 with decision makers instrumental to the control of the outbreak to 1) determine their awareness of the multiple strategies used to control the outbreak and 2) assess their perceptions of the relative effectiveness of these strategies. An online survey was delivered to a predefined list of decision makers from multiple sectors to better understand dengue preparedness and response. Thirty-six out of 45 surveys were returned for an 80% response rate. Results indicate the need to focus prevention strategies on educational campaigns designed to increase population awareness of transmission risk. Respondents remain concerned about future dengue transmission risk in Key West and lack of resources to respond.