vector borne diseases
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CDC develops new test to identify climate-driven malaria-carrying mosquitoes
In a major stride against malaria, CDC researchers have created a rapid test to identify the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, a malaria carrier thriving due to climate change.
In short:
- Anopheles stephensi, native to Asia, has established itself in Africa due to global warming, threatening 130 million people.
- The CDC’s new test allows rapid identification of this mosquito, enabling quicker responses to potential malaria outbreaks.
- Climate change facilitates the spread and persistence of this mosquito in new regions, increasing malaria risks.
Key quote:
"If we start seeing that mosquito in the United States, transmitting or getting a foothold here, then there’s more concern that we’re going to see more widespread malaria in, potentially, urban areas.”
— Judith O’Donnell, infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania
Why this matters:
This breakthrough couldn't come at a better time, as the threat of malaria establishing itself in the U.S. looms larger. By nipping these mosquito migrations in the bud, we might just keep malaria at bay and protect vulnerable communities from a resurgence of this ancient scourge. Read more: The Holocene climate experience.
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Climate change escalates malaria risk for pregnant women in highlands
Rising temperatures are pushing malaria-carrying mosquitoes to higher altitudes, posing a lethal threat to pregnant women in previously unaffected regions.
In short:
- Papua New Guinea's highlands are seeing an increase in malaria cases as mosquitoes move to higher elevations due to climate change.
- Pregnant women in these regions are particularly vulnerable, with severe malaria increasing the risk of maternal and fetal complications.
- The upward shift of malaria mosquitoes threatens to reverse global progress in malaria control.
Key quote:
"When malaria hits new populations that are naive, you tend to get these explosive epidemics that are severe because people don’t have any existing immunity."
— Sadie Ryan, associate professor of medical geography at the University of Florida.
Why this matters:
Climate change is expanding the range of malaria, endangering pregnant women in highland areas who lack immunity. This trend emphasizes a need for enhanced malaria control measures and healthcare access in vulnerable regions. Read more: Coronavirus, climate change, and the environment.
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Rethinking our approach to zoonotic diseases in a changing world
Despite historical attempts to eliminate diseases, experts now suggest focusing on control and coexistence.
In short:
- Many diseases, like Lyme and malaria, cannot be eradicated due to their complex ecologies involving multiple hosts and vectors.
- Recent efforts focus on prevention, like using narrow-spectrum antibiotics in natural reservoirs and developing gene-edited mosquitos.
- Historical efforts to eradicate diseases, such as the Soviet campaign against plague, have largely failed and shifted to containment strategies.
Key quote:
"Shifting our resources — which are limited — to prevention and surveillance is the only way to go."
— Susan Jones, ecologist and historian at the University of Minnesota
Why this matters:
Understanding the complexity of zoonotic diseases indicates a need for sustainable prevention strategies rather than eradication. Read more: Cutting forests and disturbing natural habitats increases our risk of wildlife diseases.
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Dengue rates plunged after release of lab-altered mosquitoes
The world sees up to 100 million cases and 22,000 deaths due to dengue every year. Researchers may have found a way to cut those numbers significantly.
How bad will the ticks be this summer?
Thanks to migrating birds and deer vasectomies, new tick species are settling in New York City, as some experts prepare for the worst.
Oregon State University/Flickr/Photo by James Gathany, courtesy of Centers for Disease Controlhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Peru is enduring its worst dengue outbreak ever. Is El Niño making it worse?
Peru is battling the worst dengue outbreak in its recorded history, with more than 140,000 registered cases so far this year and more than 200 people believed to have died from complications related to infections.
Mysi/Flickr
Vanderbilt Medical experts: Climate change affects health
An increase in auto-inflammatory diseases and skin conditions is resulting from climate change, Vanderbilt University Medical professionals Monday.
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