Interannual variability of human plague occurrence in the Western United States explained by tropical and North Pacific Ocean climate variability.

摘要: Plague is a vector-borne, highly virulent zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It persists in nature through transmission between its hosts (wild rodents) and vectors (fleas). During epizootics, expands spills over to other host species such as humans living or close affected areas. Here, we investigate effect of large-scale climate variability on dynamics human plague western United States using 56-year time series reports (1950-2005). We found that El Nino Southern Oscillation Pacific Decadal combination affect States. The underlying mechanism could involve changes precipitation temperatures impact both vectors. suggested snow also may play key role, possibly effects summer soil moisture, which known be instrumental for flea survival development sustained growth vegetation rodents.