disease
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Kidney disease surges among Sri Lanka’s young men
Rising temperatures and contaminated water have led to an epidemic of kidney disease among young men in Sri Lanka's farming and fishing communities.
In short:
- Young men in Sri Lanka’s rural areas are experiencing high rates of kidney disease, requiring dialysis or transplants.
- The disease is likely caused by extreme heat, worsened by climate change, and pesticide-contaminated water.
- Many affected communities lack access to clean water and rely on well water for daily use, exacerbating the problem.
Key quote:
“Sri Lanka has made the perfect case for how climate change is affecting people in real time.”
— Nishad Jayasundara, expert in global environmental health at Duke University.
Why this matters:
Kidney disease linked to climate change and water contamination is affecting vulnerable communities globally. Addressing these environmental health risks is crucial to prevent widespread health crises.
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Credit: ASM Asaduzzaman/Pixabay
Rising saltwater contamination threatens health in coastal Bangladesh
Saltwater intrusion in coastal Bangladesh is exacerbating chronic kidney disease, with residents forced to consume contaminated water for daily use.
In short:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in Bangladesh’s coastal areas due to saline water consumption.
- Saline intrusion from rising sea levels and human activities like shrimp farming contaminates freshwater resources.
- Local infrastructure projects to provide clean water have stalled, worsening the public health crisis.
Key quote:
“These coastal communities are suffering the double burden of climate change.”
— Dr. Abu Mohammed Naser, University of Memphis
Why this matters:
Access to clean water is critical for preventing kidney disease and other health issues. Without improvements, the prevalence of CKD and related illnesses will likely rise, worsening the public health crisis in these communities.
LISTEN: Azmal Hossan on the sociology of climate crises in South Asia.
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Health risks increase as Brazil’s floodwaters recede
The first two deaths from leptospirosis have been reported in southern Brazil as floodwaters recede, with experts predicting a surge in fatalities.
In short:
- Two men in Rio Grande do Sul have died from leptospirosis following severe flooding.
- The flooding has displaced over 600,000 people and significantly damaged health infrastructure.
- Experts warn of increased disease outbreaks due to contaminated water and disrupted health services.
Key quote:
“There are those who die during the flood and there is the aftermath of the flood.”
— Paulo Saldiva, University of Sao Paulo
Why this matters:
The environmental impact of the floods has been devastating, and the aftermath brings additional public health concerns. The spread of leptospirosis underscores the broader implications of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of such disasters are expected to increase, bringing with them a host of secondary health crises.
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Heavy rains spur mosquito surge in Houston with climate change worsening the issue
After recent heavy rains in Texas, Houston residents face a severe mosquito infestation, with climate change expected to exacerbate future outbreaks.
Matt Keyser and Dino Grandoni report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Recent heavy rains in Texas have led to an unusually high mosquito population in Houston.
- Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall from climate change are creating ideal mosquito breeding conditions.
- Harris County health officials are working to control mosquito populations to prevent disease spread.
Key quote:
" ... as it gets warmer earlier, we see a larger amount of mosquitoes earlier. We are getting hotter temperatures earlier. This is the impact that climate change has had on Harris County."
— Max Vigilant, director of mosquito and vector control in Harris County
Why this matters:
Experts warn that the situation is more than a seasonal nuisance. With climate change driving increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including heavier rainfall and warmer temperatures, Houston and other regions could see more frequent and severe mosquito outbreaks. Warmer climates accelerate the mosquito life cycle and expand their habitat, making infestations more common and prolonged.
This surge disrupts daily life and raises public health alarms due to the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika.
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Maui residents struggle with health issues months after devastating fires
Months following the catastrophic fire in Lahaina, Maui, residents are facing serious health complications, including respiratory problems and psychological distress, while grappling with inadequate medical resources.
In short:
- The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reveals a strong correlation between exposure to fire debris and adverse health outcomes.
- Local health services are overwhelmed, with significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety among the affected residents.
- Access to healthcare has deteriorated, impacting particularly Native Hawaiians and other minority communities in the region.
Key quote:
"You can see it in the data. We are capturing a broad insight into exposures and issues that no one has done before."
— Ruben Juarez, professor of health economics
Why this matters:
These struggles are a reminder of the long-term health consequences that can follow natural disasters, especially in areas not sufficiently equipped to handle their immediate impacts or their lingering aftermath.
Related EHN coverage:
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Warming waters in Europe pose significant health risks, says EU agency
A report by the European Environment Agency warns of health hazards from emerging waterborne diseases and pollution due to climate change.
In short:
- Thawing permafrost in northern Europe is expected to release pathogens and pollutants, raising concerns about food and water safety.
- Health risks such as ciguatera poisoning from contaminated fish and anthrax outbreaks among reindeer are increasing due to climate impacts.
- The European Environment Agency urges immediate and comprehensive implementation of existing climate, water, and health policies.
Key quote:
"Protecting human lives and health from the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods and worsened water quality is of utmost importance and urgency."
— Leena Ylä-Mononen, chief of the European Environment Agency
Why this matters:
Scientists warn that pathogens, some of which may have been encased in ice for thousands of years, could enter local water systems as the ice melts. This phenomenon raises the possibility of diseases unknown to modern medicine or those considered eradicated reappearing in the environment. Additionally, the release of pollutants—such as heavy metals and toxic chemicals previously locked within the ice—could contaminate soil and waterways, further threatening agricultural productivity and drinking water quality.
Be sure to read:
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Climate change and its impact on Africa's public health
Africa's rising temperatures are worsening vector-borne diseases in vulnerable regions, a serious public health issue.
In short:
- Rising temperatures in Africa extend the life cycle of disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, increasing disease spread.
- Edward Miano emphasized climate change as a major public health crisis, linking it to the reemergence of diseases in previously unaffected areas.
- Collaborative efforts across various sectors are deemed necessary to combat the adverse effects of climate change on health.
Key quote:
"It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the situation that we are facing today, especially around climate change, as it is no longer only an environmental concern, but it has evolved into a significant public health crisis with far-reaching implications for communities worldwide."
— Edward Miano, executive director of the Health Rights Advocacy Forum
Why this matters:
Climate change reshapes our environment and our health landscape, making once rare diseases common and introducing new health threats to regions already facing socio-economic challenges.
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