title: Examining the relationship between infectious diseases and flooding in Europe: A systematic literature review and summary of possible public health interventions.
abstract: Introduction Many infectious diseases are sensitive to climatic changes; specifically, flooding. This systematic literature review aimed to strengthen the quality and completeness of evidence on infectious diseases following flooding, relevant to Europe. Methods A systematic literature review from 2004-2012 was performed. Focused searches of the following databases were conducted: Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Evidence Aid. Personal communications with key informants were also reviewed. Results Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggested that water-borne, rodent-borne, and vector-borne diseases have been associated with flooding in Europe, although at a lower incidence than developing countries. Conclusion Disease surveillance and early warning systems, coupled with effective prevention and response capabilities, can reduce current and future vulnerability to infectious diseases following flooding.
authors.affiliation: Extreme Events and Health Protection; Public Health England; London, UK.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Extreme Events and Health Protection; Public Health England; London, UK.
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Murray
keywords: climate change; flooding; infectious diseases; natural disaster; rodent-borne; vector-borne; water-borne