title: Implications of climate change (global warming) for the healthcare system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Temperature-sensitive pathogenic species and their vectors and hosts are emerging in previously colder regions as a consequence of several factors, including global warming. As a result, an increasing number of people will be exposed to pathogens against which they have not previously needed defences. We illustrate this with a specific example of recent emergence of Cryptococcus gattii infections in more temperate climates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outbreaks in more temperate climates of the highly virulent--but usually tropically restricted--C. gattii is illustrative of an anticipated growing challenge for the healthcare system. There is a need for preparedness by healthcare professionals in anticipation and for management of such outbreaks, including other infections whose recent increased prevalence in temperate climates can be at least partly associated with global warming.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  (Re)emergence of temperature-sensitive pathogenic species in more temperate climates will present new challenges for healthcare systems. Preparation for outbreaks should precede their occurrence.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Raffa
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Eltoukhy
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Raffa
mesh_terms: D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D056285:Cryptococcus gattii / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D057232:Global Warming; D006801:Humans