[ad_1]
Dengue Fever Cases Reach Record Numbers Worldwide in 2024 Due to Climate Change
The year 2023 saw a record 6 million cases of dengue fever reported globally, but 2024 has already surpassed that with over 12 million cases reported so far. A new study presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference suggests that climate change has played a significant role in the expansion of the disease from 1995 to 2014. The study found that climate change increased the caseload by roughly 20% across 21 countries where dengue fever was already established.
In regions like Indonesia, India, and Brazil, where the disease was already present, temperatures in the ideal range for mosquitoes that spread dengue fever have increased due to climate change. This has led to a rapid growth in the number of cases reported. The study projects that many regions may see a doubling of dengue incidence if climate change continues unchecked.
Dengue fever, a common tropical disease, causes symptoms like fever and joint pain, earning it the nickname “breakbone fever.” There is currently no widely available vaccine for adults. Efforts to combat the disease, such as reducing mosquito populations and strengthening local medical networks, remain crucial.
While climate change is a major factor in the spread of dengue fever, public health interventions can still make a significant impact. Slowing down climate change by reducing emissions is seen as a key solution to mitigating the risks posed by the disease in the future. The study highlights the urgent need for global action to address both the impacts of climate change and infectious diseases like dengue fever.
Source
Photo credit www.iowapublicradio.org
