de-CIPHERing Infectious Disease

Ticks and their Tricks with Dr. Rafael Viera

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Episode 9

In the final episode of Season 1, we dive into the fascinating world of ticks, pathogens, and global health with Dr. Rafael Vieira, a self-proclaimed "pathogen hunter" from UNC Charlotte. From the depths of the Amazon to the labs of North Carolina, Dr. Vieira takes us on a thrilling journey through his groundbreaking research on vector-borne diseases. Discover why your next eco-tourism adventure might be riskier than you think, and how climate change is reshaping the landscape of infectious diseases. Dr. Vieira shares hair-raising tales of tick collection, the excitement of discovering new bacteria, and his mission to bridge health gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. This episode is a gripping exploration of the intricate dance between humans, animals, and our environment – and why understanding this connection might just save us from the next pandemic.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways
  • There's more to tick-borne illnesses than just Lyme disease. Dr. Vieira's research has uncovered several new bacteria and pathogens, highlighting the need for broader awareness and research.
  • Activities like eco-tourism, illegal animal trafficking, and deforestation can have far-reaching consequences on the spread of vector-borne diseases across continents.
  • Climate change is altering the distribution patterns of ticks and other disease vectors, potentially exposing new populations to these threats.
  • Dr. Vieira's work in sub-Saharan Africa underscores the value of international partnerships in addressing global health issues and nurturing the next generation of scientists in developing countries.
  • By studying emerging pathogens and disease patterns, Dr. Vieira and his colleagues are working to stay ahead of potential outbreaks, potentially preventing future epidemics or pandemics.

    • This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson

    CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

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    de-CIPHERing Infectious DiseaseBy CIPHER