Climate change has always been the root of many environmental problems. The fluctuations in precipitation and rising temperatures trigger the spreading of more diseases, particularly the ones you get from mosquito bites. Studies show that 375 pathogens infect man and 58% of this number worsens with climate change.
What Happens
Some diseases can be eradicated by climate change. One good example is influenza. In most cases, warmer weather expands the range of pathogens. It also increases the disease-causing mosquito population in the area. Drastic climate change can also prevent steady access to good food and damage infrastructure. This leads to malnutrition which could weaken immunity. A weaker immunity impedes the body’s fight against infections.
- Climate change can bring humans closer to disease-causing microbes. It can alter human behavior which can increase an individual’s chances of pathogen exposure. An example is more frequent trips to bodies of water during heat waves. This can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- This change moves disease-causing microbes closer to humans. It can change the territories of pathogens and the animals that carry them. Mosquitoes can spread dengue and malaria because of warming weather.
- Climate change improves the infection power of pathogens. These disease-causing microorganisms have better opportunities to interact with the mosquito vectors. This then increases the ability of mosquitoes to infect humans.
- This change weakens the body to fight disease-causing microbes. Calamities tend to impact the human body’s ability to battle pathogens. Crowded relocation areas may lack proper sanitation. This can expose people more to vectors, such as mosquitoes. The stress of being in such a situation can lead to weak immunity.
The Illnesses and Changes
Zika, pneumonia, malaria, dengue, and pneumonia can worsen because of climate fluctuation. Studies show that greenhouse gas can affect the spread of these infections. Scientists debate that the current pandemic is also a consequence of climate change. The warming planet is making it easier for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects to spread ailments. The most significant changes are:
- Heatwaves
- Extreme flooding
- Warming
- Wildfires
- Drought
- Extreme rain
- Sea level changes
- Ocean climate change
- Fires
How Bad Climate Change Aggravates the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are the most common insects to deliver these pathogens to your doorstep. These insects can expand their territory through climate change. The planet is heating up. This tends to increase the survival rate of mosquito-borne diseases in specific areas. Dense populations in Southeast Asian, South American, and African regions allow these mosquitoes to thrive.
How Climate Change Affects Vectors
Studies show that there is a climate dimension to mosquito-borne diseases. Here are the factors that affect vectors are the following:
- Temperature increase can enhance the frequency of mosquito bites. The effectiveness of nets and untreated clothes tends to lower when this happens.
- Warmer climates can lengthen the period of disease transmission. This is a favorable time for mosquitoes to breed and feed. Female mosquitoes can feed longer as long as the scent of humans and animals is strong because of the warm weather.
- Climate fluctuation transforms many places into suitable areas for vectors to breed. A warmer climate can increase the spread of mosquitoes. This climate can help them survive longer and breed more. Frequent rainfall during warm weather can help build standing pools of water. These are ideal areas for laying and hatching mosquito eggs.
Climate change can be more favorable to mosquitoes. They can have more opportunities to breed and feed. This is then ideal to spread mosquito-borne diseases. Knowing how climate change affects mosquitoes can help you determine how and when you should take extra steps to protect yourself and your household.
