Warnings of an increase in the spread of diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito due to climate change

2023-12-16 2023-12-16T13:40:39Z

Arabia Weather - Health experts have begun to express concern about the potential spread of tropical diseases, including dengue fever transmitted by Asian tiger mosquitoes, in the United Kingdom during the 2040s, as a result of climate changes.

Experts confirm that warmer environmental conditions have facilitated the spread of these species throughout Europe

Warnings of outbreaks of diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito

Government health experts report that warmer climate conditions have contributed to the spread of this type of mosquito in most areas of Europe in recent years. In addition to traveling alongside humans and by transporting goods. This smooth insect is characterized by its striped body, and is responsible for transmitting dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya, diseases usually associated with tropical regions.

According to a report published by the British newspaper "Daily Mail", mosquitoes could move towards living in urban areas rather than wetlands, and feed during the day, exposing residents to a greater risk of mosquito bites.

In a report on the effects of climate change on health, the United Kingdom Health Secretariat Agency (UKHSA) warned that dengue fever could spread to London by 2060, and the same mosquitoes are expected to spread widely throughout England during the 2040s.

More diseases will spread in the coming periods

Officials also noted that other infectious diseases, which can be transmitted through food or water, may become more widespread as the risk of further epidemics escalates. In addition, the risk related to extreme temperatures, as well as flooding, is expected to accelerate, which can cause negative impacts on the mental health of individuals, regardless of the physical impact that may result from immersion or injury.

Professor Dame Jenny Harris, Chief Executive of the UK Health Secretariat Agency (UKHSA), emphasized: “Diseases that we used to label as tropical diseases many years ago will become national diseases in the future.” In the summer of 2022, temperatures exceeding 40°C were recorded in the UK for the first time ever, and around 3,000 additional deaths were recorded during the extended heatwave period. Several other countries have witnessed bouts of extreme and prolonged heat in recent months.

According to Professor Dame Jenny Harris, projections suggest that health-related deaths in the UK could increase by more than 100% during the 2030s, by more than 500% in the 2050s, and by more than 1,000% by 2070.

She added that food price volatility is also expected to increase due to climate impacts, with most UK imports based on areas sensitive to climate changes such as drought. It also expects frequent wildfires, accompanied by toxic smoke production, during the hotter and drier summers. She explained that the elderly, children and people with pre-existing health conditions are most vulnerable to these threats.

The Earth's temperature has already risen 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Given the rising amount of carbon in the atmosphere, our reality is that further warming is already in the offing, even if emissions start decreasing earlier.

This reinforces the need for adaptation alongside emissions reduction efforts, the UK Health Secretariat Agency (UKHSA) reported. She noted that improvements in areas such as housing and flood defense systems, in addition to effective warnings of extreme temperatures, will contribute to reducing some of these increasing risks.

Jolyon Medlock, an entomologist at the United Kingdom Health Secretariat Agency (UKHSA), noted that border controls can play a role in slowing the spread of mosquitoes, and individuals in homes can avoid their breeding by covering any standing water or empty containers in which they may put mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay eggs.

Jenny, Head of the UK Health Secretariat, said: “Climate change poses a vital threat affecting public health around the world, not only increasing the mortality burden caused by rising temperatures and weather impacts, but also enhancing the spread of infectious diseases and increasing The fragility of the global systems on which our health depends. This means increased vulnerability of the population to geopolitical, energy and cost of living crises.