Dengue fever will become a major threat in the southern United States, southern Europe and new parts of Africa this decade, the WHO's chief scientist said, as warmer temperatures create the conditions for the mosquitoes carrying the infection to spread.
With global temperatures rising and increases in human migration, common diseases only in Africa and equatorial climates (Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Yellow Fever…etc) are likely to migrate up to the global north as well.
"Transmissible vaccination is a type of inoculation that targets wild animals and can spread between hosts autonomously, with the goal of preventing transmission of animal pathogens to human populations."
Dengue fever is no joke. If you see a black and white striped mosquito, especially during the day, immediately take some precautions to avoid getting bitten (wear mosquito repellent, turning on your fan, empty a can of raid, etc). Here we have regular fumigation and still can't get rid of them.
Rates of the disease have already risen eight-fold globally since 2000, driven largely by climate change as well as the increased movement of people and urbanization.
“We need to talk much more proactively about dengue,” Jeremy Farrar, an infectious diseases specialist who joined the World Health Organization in May this year, told Reuters.
Farrar said the infection is likely to “take off” and become endemic in parts of the United States, Europe and Africa - all regions where there has already been some limited local transmission - as global warming makes new areas hospitable to the mosquitoes that spread it.
Earlier this week, the WHO recommended Takeda Pharmaceuticals' (4502.T) Qdenga vaccine for children aged 6 to 16 in areas where the infection is a significant public health problem.
Qdenga is also approved by the EU regulator, but Takeda withdrew its application in the United States earlier this year, citing data collection issues.
Preparing new regions of the world to deal with dengue means ensuring that any public health funds get spent in the right areas, Farrar said, including on the best way to control the mosquito.
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