Back

Director's Picks

Cholera, Zika, and West Nile: The Deadly Diseases That Sweep in After Hurricanes

Summary

Hurricanes not only cause physical destruction but also fuel disease outbreaks, as shown in recent studies on post-storm health impacts in the U.S. and Caribbean. Floodwaters from storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton spread pathogens like Vibrio vulnificus, which has already caused numerous infections and fatalities in Florida. Besides waterborne bacteria, stagnant floodwaters create breeding grounds for mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile, Zika, and dengue. Mould growth in flooded homes also leads to respiratory issues. Experts warn that extreme weather increases disease risks, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, and advocate for better mobile healthcare and emergency responses in disaster-prone areas.

discover more

April 17, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

A Tulane study confirms long-standing claims that Black communities in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" suffer disproportionate pollution while being excluded from both high...

April 11, 2025
Climate
Climate

A $378 million funding delay to LIHEAP after mass HHS layoffs threatens vital cooling aid for low-income Americans amid intensifying heat waves.

April 9, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

A federal appeals court ruled a lawsuit can proceed against St. James Parish, Louisiana, for alleged racist land-use policies...

April 9, 2025
Climate
Climate

Trump administration terminated NASA's contract supporting staff for the U.S. National Climate Assessment, potentially crippling its development...

April 9, 2025

President Trump rescinded federal flood standards requiring climate-resilient rebuilding, raising concerns that taxpayer-funded infrastructure...

April 6, 2025

The Trump administration plans to close the Community Relations Service, a Justice Department office created in 1964 to mediate racial tensions, sparking concerns...

April 5, 2025

The USDA resumed clean energy grants but encouraged recipients to strip diversity and climate goals, raising concerns about political interference and uncertainty over funding...

April 4, 2025
Civil Rights & Human Rights
Civil Rights & Human Rights

The article reflects on Dr. King’s enduring legacy, urging continued resistance against systemic oppression through community building, political courage, and cultural...

April 3, 2025

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs).

April 2, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Trump administration is halting federal support for climate-friendly transit projects in Democratic-led states, threatening funding...

March 31, 2025
Food & Water Justice
Food & Water Justice

A $1 billion groundwater pipeline project to supply booming Central Texas cities has ignited a legal battle over aquifer rights, exposing the limits...

February 28, 2025
Economic Justice
Economic Justice

Climate disasters cost U.S. farmers over $20 billion in 2024, yet most federal aid favors large commodity producers...

March 19, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) stresses that low-carbon farming is essential for Northern Ireland’s climate goals.

March 19, 2025

The UN's World Meteorological Organization reports that the past decade was the hottest on record, with 2024 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit.

March 17, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

Trump’s vow to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, some Republicans and business leaders back its clean energy tax credits...