Rise of dengue, zika, outbreaks and impact of climate change

Arboviruses, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, have become a growing concern in recent decades, as the incidence of infections

By Ground Report 06 Apr 2023

New Update

Dengue outbreak hits these states in India

Arboviruses, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, have become a growing concern in recent decades, as the incidence of infections caused by these viruses has increased dramatically around the world.

Dengue, in particular, affects about half of the world's population, with an estimated 100 to 400 million cases reported annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to provide an update on the global arbovirus situation today, highlighting the increasing number of outbreaks around the world.

Climate change main factor

Climate change, deforestation and urbanization are the main risk factors contributing to the spread of arboviruses. These factors allow mosquitoes to better adapt to new environments and expand the geographic reach of the disease, including the European region.

All populations living in areas where mosquito vectors are present are at risk, but the most vulnerable people are most affected.

The impact of arboviral diseases is greatest among the most vulnerable people, and existing arboviral disease programs do not have sufficient resources to respond to outbreaks.

According to Raman Velayudhan, who coordinates WHO’s dengue and arbovirus initiative, climate change has played a key role in facilitating the spread of vector mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

He and colleague Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO’s technical lead on chikungunya and zika, have stressed the urgent need for action to prevent larger outbreaks in new areas.

Chikungunya on Rise in America

Chikungunya, which has been reported in 115 countries since its discovery in the 1950s, is experiencing a dramatic surge in the Americas, with around 135,000 cases reported so far this year compared to 50,000 cases reported during the first half of 2022. Rojas Alvarez warned that urgent action was needed to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Global Arbovirus Initiative

WHO has launched the Global Arbovirus Initiative to address emerging and re-emerging arboviruses with epidemic and pandemic potential.

The initiative focuses on risk monitoring, pandemic prevention, preparedness, detection and response. The goal is to build a coalition of partners and mobilize resources to combat the spread of these diseases.

The Global Arbovirus Initiative aims to create a global response to arboviruses, focusing on pandemic prevention, preparedness, detection and response.

The initiative involves a partnership between the WHO and various organizations, including government agencies, academic institutions and the private sector.

The goal is to build a coalition of partners to address the challenges of arboviral diseases and promote research, innovation, and capacity building to improve outbreak response.