기후변화와 한국의 감염병

Climate Change and Infectious Diseases in South Korea

The effects of climate change as a result of global warming are profoundly affecting the health of all parts of society as well as the general health of the people. The relationship between climate change and health appears to be very complex and intricate because the characteristics of different climates differ according to region and season, and each society responds to their specific climate conditions differently. Climate change results in the occurrence, re-emergence, and variation of global infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne infectious diseases. The effects of climate change on everyday life have dramatically intensified in South Korea. Seasonal trends related to infectious diseases are further influenced by natural disasters, such as heavy precipitation, storms, and drought in addition to environmental pollution (i.e. yellow dust and fine dust). For example, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) shows a new aspect of infectious diseases in Korea that are affected by social and demographic factors. This study aimed to investigate and analyze trends surrounding the latest infectious diseases related to climate change.