Warming tendency in the Eastern Mediterranean basin and its influence on West Nile fever outbreaks

Abstract

The Eastern Mediterranean (EM) basin, a heavily populated area, is highly sensitive to climatic changes. The region, from the Iskenderun Bay in Turkey to the northeastern shoreline of the Sinai Peninsula, is unique in its climatic aspects, due to its location as the continental junction area between Europe, Africa, and Asia. As a result of this geographical position between different climatic influential areas, the region is highly sensitive to possible climate changes (IPCC, 2007). The millions of people along the EM are vulnerable to this warming trend in many aspects as water supply, crop yields, and human health.