Rising global temperatures and erratic weather patterns are exacerbating the spread of insect-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus. New research suggests that climate change is expanding the geographic range of mosquitoes and other vectors, causing these diseases to spread into previously unaffected regions, including parts of Europe and North America.
Experts warn that changes in seasonal patterns, such as warmer winters and unpredictable rainfall, are lengthening the transmission seasons for vector-borne diseases. For example, areas in Southern Europe that once had low incidences of diseases like malaria are seeing more frequent outbreaks. The challenge is also compounded by urbanization, which creates perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms, urging countries to strengthen surveillance and increase funding for prevention programs. These efforts include vector control strategies like insecticide spraying, biological controls, and genetic modification of mosquitoes. Additionally, climate adaptation strategies such as improving public health infrastructure and preparing healthcare systems for seasonal disease spikes are critical.
