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The following is a summary of “Issue of climate change and the spread of tropical diseases in Europe and Italy: vector biology, disease transmission, genome-based monitoring and public health implications,” published in the December 2024 issue of Infectious Disease by Pavia et al.
Climate change has altered the distribution and severity of tropical diseases by affecting the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, causing the spread of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fever in new areas.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the relationship between climate change and the spread of vector-borne and tropical parasitic diseases across Europe, focusing on Italy.
They analyzed recent studies to identify emerging trends in disease transmission affected by climate change. Genome-based monitoring and predictive models, integrating climatic and ecological data, were emphasized as methods to improve disease surveillance and preparedness.
The results showed a clear connection between climate change and shifts in disease patterns. The spread of vectors to new areas correlated with higher disease incidence. Genome-based tools proved useful in tracking pathogen evolution, particularly regarding virulence, drug resistance, and climate adaptability. Predictive models anticipated outbreaks and enabled timely public health responses.
Investigators concluded the continuous monitoring, international collaboration, and strengthening health system resilience through mitigation and adaptation strategies were important for managing climate-induced changes in disease dynamics and preventing future epidemics.
Source: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23744235.2024.2437027
