Climate change has been an ongoing issue worldwide, with widespread effects rapidly intensifying. Since 1900, global mean temperatures have increased by 1.1°C. Temperatures and rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly arbitrary, and extreme events such as floods are becoming more frequent.
What are Vector-Borne Diseases?
Vector-borne diseases are diseases transmitted to humans from insects or animals (mosquitos/ticks). The most common vector-borne diseases are Malaria and Lyme disease. Because these vectors are heavily reliant on climate and weather alterations, the consequences of climate change are complex.
Effects on Vector-Borne Diseases
Warming temperatures can affect the traits of vectors and pathogens. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that the prevalence of these diseases will most likely increase in the next decade. Malaria, transmitted from female mosquitos, is the most lethal and climate-sensitive vector-borne disease. In 2020, mortality rates of over 600,000 were accredited due to malaria, most being pregnant women and children from Africa. With a temperature increase of 0.2°C in Colombia and Ethiopia, higher levels of malaria are spreading.
While Malaria is the most common mosquito-borne disease, Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne illness, frequently found in the Northeast. From 2010 to 2018, 470,000 cases of Lyme disease were diagnosed and treated, compared to 329,000 cases from 2005 to 2010: a sizable difference in a shorter time period. With summer seasons becoming longer due to climate change, there has been an increase in human-tick interactions. Additionally, warming temperatures have been interconnected with the growth of ticks in Canada and Norway, correlating with the expansion of Lyme Disease.
Conclusion
Climate Change has a significant effect on the growth of vector-borne diseases. With many of these pathogens expanding into different regions along with warmer seasons lasting longer, they are able to be more active in a larger part of the world. To counteract the harmful effects of the warmer temperatures, investments in new forms of vaccines and technology are required.
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