Climate change makes rare diseases in US more common, how are they linked?

As July 2023 recorded the hottest temperature in history and that too due to climate change, it coincided with the spread of uncommon diseases as well. Health experts in the US have warned of the health consequences of not addressing climate change. Malaria, a disease of tropical regions and other warmer areas was detected in Texas and Florida. These are also the states that have registered record temperatures, as per reports.

Is Climate Change Linked to Diseases?

Local health experts have warned that detection of malaria may not affect most of the people in America, it may serve as a warning of the effect of climate change. Lisa McCormick, who predicted something like the coronavirus outbreak when she was a US Senate candidate in 2018 said that as the climate is changing it is leading to many types of transformations. These changes in living conditions and ecosystems are increasing the danger of outbreaks and the spread of deadly diseases, reports stated.

Do Vectors Thrive in High Temperatures?

Warning about the link between climate change and disease, Dr. Rex Archer, director of population and public health at Kansas City University said that an increase in temperature followed by a lack of freezing temperature allows many insects and vectors to thrive and spread at a speed higher than before.

Breeding Grounds for Vectors?

Scientists have also found that the rise in temperature provides a better breeding ground for vector-borne diseases like malaria. It also contributes to heart stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, kidney-related ailments and respiratory problems. Besides, as the earth gets warmer flies and mosquitoes thrive and they act as vectors for many diseases. There are 17 vector-borne diseases and the number of people being affected by these ailments is increasing.

Dr. Benjamin Beard, deputy director of the CDC’s division of vector-borne diseases said that mosquitoes and ticks are the main vectors of many diseases in the US.

FAQs:

Q1. How are climate change and malaria linked in the US?
A1. Scientists argue that increased temperature allows vectors like mosquitoes and flies to thrive and provide a better breeding ground for them. They cause many kinds of ailments including malaria.

Q2. Where and when in the US the highest temperatures were recorded this year?
A2. The highest temperatures in the US were recorded in June 2023 in the states of Texas and Florida. Malaria was also detected in these states.