Scientists' Efforts in Battling Climate-Related Diseases

Dr. Clare Strode is studying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to understand how the dengue virus spreads worldwide and how climate change is contributing to its spread. These mosquitoes are one of the species known to carry and transmit the dengue virus, which infects millions of people globally. Warmer and wetter conditions caused by climate change are creating favorable environments for disease-spreading mosquitoes. However, scientists are fighting back by combining insect surveillance with climate forecasts to predict and prepare for disease outbreaks. By analyzing weather patterns and other conditions that contribute to outbreaks, early warning systems can be developed to help communities prepare and prevent the spread of diseases. One project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, is already developing prediction tools using satellite images, drone data, and weather sensors. These tools aim to save lives by understanding where future outbreaks are most likely to occur. Climate change is also extending the high-risk seasons for diseases like malaria and dengue in countries where they are already prevalent. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the climate will become more suitable for disease-carrying mosquitoes, leading to even greater health risks. Globally, the number of dengue cases has dramatically increased in the last two decades. Early warning systems, such as E-Dengue, are being developed to predict outbreaks in advance and mobilize communities to take preventative measures. These systems combine data from various sources, including weather stations, drones, and local communities, and use predictive models to identify areas most at risk. The goal is to prevent diseases from occurring and allocate resources effectively. In the UK, health security officials are already taking preventative measures by placing mosquito traps at strategic points like airports and ports to monitor the entry of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. However, experts emphasize that the most effective measure to address the impact of climate change on health is to reduce emissions. Health needs to be a central focus in climate change negotiations, and climate action should prioritize both health and justice. The connection between health and climate change is undeniable, especially in the context of mosquito-borne diseases, so more attention, funding, and focus are necessary to address these issues.