The Mosquitoes They are considered one of the most annoying and dangerous insects that exist in nature. It is estimated that there are around 3200 species, of which 200 feed on the blood of other animals. Among these are several types, such as the Aedes albopictus (commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito) and the Anopheles gambiae, which are capable of transmitting deadly diseases such as dengue, malaria and the Zika virus.
As global temperatures continue to rise, these insects are colonizing regions that, until now, were considered too cold for them. This is especially concerning as warmer conditions allow mosquitoes to breed more rapidly and spread to new geographic areas. To understand the impact of global warming in disease transmission, as well as their risks and control strategies, we must consider their effects on these vectors.
Mosquitoes only require water, warmth, and a means of transportation to reproduce. With the rise of international travel and global warming, as well as advances in transportation, these insects are finding it increasingly difficult to reproduce. A documentary hosted by Bill Gates, titled "Mosquito," which aired on the Discovery Channel on July 6, 2017, states that Diseases such as dengue and yellow fever have taken centuries to spread across the planet, while Chikungunya, West Nile virus and Zika have managed to spread in just 16 years.
Today, Approximately 2500 billion people are living at risk of a possible Zika outbreak., a virus that was first identified in a Ugandan forest in 1947. Although much time has passed since its discovery, it remains a major problem for countries such as Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States, where an increase in cases of related infections has been reported. These are clear examples of the consequences of climate change on public health.
Traditionally, Mosquito eggs and larvae died during the winters when frozen, especially in regions of the Northern Hemisphere. However, with rising temperatures, these eggs and larvae are beginning to survive throughout the winter months, causing their population to multiply more rapidly and effectively. This makes addressing the health effects of climate change even more urgent.
The fight against these insects seems far from over. Mosquitoes' growing resistance to pesticides has led some companies, such as Oxitec, to develop innovative methods. For example, they have begun inoculating male mosquitoes with a "killer gene." Aedes aegypti, which causes the death of their offspring after mating with females, who are responsible for transmitting diseases. According to the company's CEO, Hadyn Parry, in the tests carried out, the mosquito population Aedes aegypti decreased by 82%, which is promising and could lead to more effective solutions to control their proliferation.
A recent study, in which experts from the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) participated, has shown that mosquitoes are changing their behavior due to climate change. The presence of various species of mosquitoes, both native and invasive, is increasingly common in urban areas. These changes are not random, as they are driven by a combination of environmental factors, such as the presence of stagnant water, sources without a recirculation system, and the moderate temperature that favors their proliferation. This is related to the fact that the Climate change also affects pregnant women.
The impact of climate change on mosquitoes
One of the most worrying aspects of climate change is that it not only affects the weather, but also public healthMosquitoes are major vectors of diseases that have spread throughout the world. When a mosquito bites a human, it not only obtains blood, but can also consume viruses or parasites present in that blood, affecting the next person it bites through its saliva. Some of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile fever, among others, and they are on the rise due to factors such as global warming.
In Spain, for example, there are numerous species of mosquitoes, such as those of the Culex and Aedes genera, which are present throughout the country. Although in the past it was not common for these diseases to be transmitted in this region, in today's globalized world, it is increasingly likely that exotic vectors will be introduced, as has been evidenced on multiple occasions. The emergence of autochthonous cases of dengue in Spain in recent years has begun to worry health authorities, making it necessary to monitor the effects of climate change in Spain.
Global entities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO), have begun activating protocols worldwide in response to these emerging risks. These collaborations seek to control and monitor diseases transmitted to both humans and domestic animals, as well as vector detection, data collection, and weather predictions related to these diseases. These efforts are critical to addressing the Global warming effects.
Individual and collective measures for prevention
The Spanish Ministry of Health has provided recommendations on how to prevent mosquito bites, emphasizing that we can all take individual measures to protect our health:
- Minimize exposed body areas by wearing long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and high socks. Also, Wearing light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes..
- Use air conditioning, as it has been shown to be effective in keeping mosquitoes out of rooms. This is especially relevant given that Global warming could trigger consumption.
- Install mosquito nets on windows and doors to limit mosquito entry. If this isn't possible, bed nets are useful to prevent mosquito bites at night.
- Using insecticides is a good way to prevent contact with mosquitoes, and today, repellent sprays are available in pharmacies with pleasant scents and even some that are odorless.
The future of the mosquito phenomenon and the diseases they transmit will depend largely on how the scientific community understands and addresses these creatures' adaptation to a constantly changing environment due to global warming. Continued analysis and research will open the door to new studies on the behavior of these dangerous vectors and seek ways to mitigate their adverse effects on public health. This also involves considering the importance of...
Recent research on mosquitoes
A study conducted by scientists from renowned universities such as Stanford and Harvard has highlighted the rise in dengue cases and the ability of mosquitoes to adapt to changing temperatures. This year, more than 12 million cases of dengue in the Americas, underscoring the growing burden of this disease globally. According to the study, the relationship between global warming and mosquitoes is closer than previously thought.
The findings showed that global warming contributes to the geographic expansion of mosquitoes, increasing the incidence of infectious diseases such as dengue fever. Higher temperatures make it easier for mosquitoes to Aedes aegypti, the main transmitters of dengue, are able to survive and reproduce in areas where they previously couldn't, even in regions that used to be too cold. Further research into this situation is vital given its potential impact on public health.
In the health section of their report, the scientists warn that even with significant reductions in carbon emissions, the effects of climate change will persist, primarily affecting areas right on the edge of optimal temperatures for the transmission of these diseases, reflecting the growing concern among health authorities.
Innovative control strategies
In addition to research, several innovative measures are being implemented in several countries. One of the most interesting is the use of mosquitoes infected with the bacteria wolbachia, which interferes with mosquitoes' ability to transmit diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This approach is yielding positive results in areas such as Niterói, Brazil, where dengue cases have declined dramatically after the release of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. wolbachiaThese innovations are an example of efforts to control mosquito populations in the context of climate change.
Research has shown that this method is not only effective but also safe for the environment and human health. Through mass production of these mosquitoes, their use is expected to expand even further to control mosquito populations and, consequently, reduce viral transmission. This represents hope for disease vector management.
The interaction between climate change, mosquitoes, and public health is complex. As the climate changes, mitigation strategies that integrate public health with vector control and environmental conservation, following a "One Health" approach, are needed.
Therefore, the path to controlling mosquito-borne diseases remains uncertain, but through global collaboration, research, and the application of innovations, the growing challenges they present can be addressed.