More rain ; more virus ?

Submitted by admin on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 15:35

http://climatebulletin.org/sites/default/files/virus.jpgPrecipitation levels and species biodiversity may affect humans' exposure to zoonotic diseases (those carried by other animals) reports a new Nature article. It seems Hantavirus, which is carried by wild rodents, especially deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus, pictured), causes severe lung disease in humans.

 

Nature 472, 7344 (2011). doi:10.1038/472392a