Modeling the Impacts of Climate Change on the Dynamics of Foodborne Illness: An Environmental Epidemiology Study

Global warming is anticipated to impact the transmission rates of many infectious diseases, including foodborne illness such as Salmonella; already, there are over 1 million cases of Salmonella annually in the United States alone. In this study, I implemented and adapted a publicly available SIR model developed by Trazias et al. to predict the potential effects of climate change on the spread of foodborne illness through contaminated dairy products and the environment. Using this model, I will develop and test mitigation strategies for the ability to reduce foodborne illness rates, dampening the negative impacts of increasing global temperatures.

Intern: Mckenna Gran

Mentor: Laura Dunphy and Molly Gallagher (AOS)