Climate change and vectorborne diseases

References: Thomson, M. & Stanberry, L. (2022). Climate Change and Vectorne Diseases. The New England Journal of Medicine 387, 1969 - 1978. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra2200092

Certain vectorborne diseases have increased in recent decades, including these:

* We cannot only blame climate change; there are also other factors, such as land-use changes and control measures.

Conclusions

Questions

West Nile Virus Infection

Malaria

Dengue

Lyme Disease

The in crease in temperature has a significant connection with vectorborne diseases* because it affects the pathogens, vectors, and hosts. Depending on their adaptability, they could either stop carrying certain pathogens or start carrying new ones.

Did you know that climate change is not just a temperature concern? This article demonstrated that it is also a public health crisis in the making.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND vectorborne diseases

Winston S. Churchill

CONCLUSIONS

ANY COUNTRY CAN HAVE

Healthy citizens are

the greatest asset

ARTICLE REPORT

• The poor infrastructures that are not suitable for a correct water management • Lack of a correct vaccination/health program • Climatic conditions: warmer countries are favorable for the spread

Question

Why do you think these diseases are more prevalent in developing countries?

Conclusion: Our countries are not economically and healthily prepared to deal with these diseases, and the slightest change affects our stability.

• Education related with the diseases per se, and the vaccination process. • Prevention and early detection • Education not only in the diseases, but also climate change (as a prevention)

Question

What should health policies focus on to prevent the increase of these diseases?

Conclusion: A proper health policy must emphasis on the prevention of these diseases, but also should educate people in climate change and how to reduce the impact of their actions in the environment.

I invite all of you to watch this video! It explains some basic concepts to better understand this topic, and discusses other reasons why infectious diseases are increasing. The detection, prevention, and treatment of vectorborne diseases can be controlled with public health policies. However, it is not the only factor to consider, it is also important to control human activities; we should enhance, for example, climate-informed early-warning systems to aware people. Reducing the risk of vectorborne diseases and other health implications requires an immediate adaptation to reduce footprint worldwide.

• All industries are important, and we should try to reduce all of them. • It’s not that important to focus on this industry but burning fossil fuels.

Question

According to the article 4.9% of the world’s carbon footprint belongs to the healthcare industry, do you think we should focus on reducing the footprint in this industry or in which other industry?

Conclusion: Even though the footprint of health industry is low, it is still significant. We should not leave it aside, but it also should not be our priority, especially considering that some industry produces more waste.