The connection between climate change and infectious diseases: Ignorance is no longer bliss

Researchers from Georgetown University Biology recently published findings on the rising threat of infectious diseases driven by climate change. As many countries have begun experiencing milder winters, longer summers, and rising average temperatures, deadly infectious parasites such as lyme disease, the West Nile virus, Dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya have emerged across the globe. 

Their research suggests that a mere  2 degrees increase in global temperatures can cause more than 3000 species to migrate over the next 50 years. Focusing on the perspective of zoonosis (diseases that spread from animals to humans), the study found over 4000 cases of cross-species viral spread in mammals alone, excluding birds and marine animals. In addition, this trend is shown to  have been prolonged from 2004 to 2018, with the number of reported illnesses from ticks, mosquitos, and flea bites rapidly doubling to a new high of 760,000 cases in the United States. 

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that this current estimation is due to worsen as a result of deteriorating water quality, rising fungi, and dwindling number of natural habitats, all of which are fundamentally propelled by climate change. Severe instances of algae and cyanobacteria have developed toxins and toxic blooms in marine environments and freshwaters, which cause many marine animals to fall ill. This is similar to the case for fungi, which has spread all over the Pacific Northwest in North America. Infections caused by fungi such as the Valley Fever are not only frequently misdiagnosed, but their integration into society can also give rise to the emergence of novel fungal diseases, adding to the risk of mass pandemics. Animals’ search for new habitats has further expanded their range. 

In addition to being responsible for widespread drought, desertification, and extreme weather patterns and temperatures, climate change poses a growing health threat for countries around the world.  Researchers and policy makers alike must strengthen current health systems and seek a better understanding of the connections between our environment and the emerging infectious diseases to create a safer and greener future for us all.

Sources: CDC Main Website, US News, The Conservation, Scientific American