Climate Change Linked to Millions of Additional Dengue Fever Cases Annually
New research reveals a significant connection between rising global temperatures and the increased incidence of dengue fever, with an estimated 4.6 million additional infections occurring each year due to climate change. A study examining 1.4 million cases across 21 countries found this represents an 18% increase in the disease’s overall incidence.
Dengue fever, frequently enough called “breakbone fever,” is a painful and potentially life-threatening illness. Severe cases can cause debilitating pain and even death. Individuals infected multiple times face a heightened risk of severe complications, a concern amplified by the growing number of people with no prior exposure now becoming susceptible as the planet warms.
“this is not just hypothetical future change but a large amount of human suffering that has already happened because of warming-driven dengue transmission,” said Erin Mordecai, a professor of biology from the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences, according to the Stanford Report.”Climate change is not just affecting the weather - it has cascading consequences for human health, including fueling disease transmission by mosquitoes.”
Researchers predict the rate of dengue fever could climb another 49% to 76% by 2050.
Efforts to combat the spread include recent advancements in vaccinations and local government initiatives focused on mosquito population control. However, experts emphasize that a lasting solution requires addressing the root cause: reducing global temperatures through decreased air pollution.