Climate Change Key to Predicting Dengue Outbreaks

Quick Summary

• Study Objective: A new analysis explored seasonal patterns of dengue outbreaks across the Americas, linking them to climatic conditions like temperature adn rainfall.
• Key Findings:

– Major dengue outbreaks in the Americas tend to occur about five months after El niño events.- local outbreaks often follow three months after summer temperature peaks and one month after peak rainfall.- Dengue virus incubation in mosquitoes shortens at higher temperatures, amplifying transmission rates.

• Disease Data: The study analyzed roughly three decades of surveillance data from 14 countries. In 2024,there were a record-breaking 13 million cases across the region.
• Expert Insights: The findings could aid epidemic preparedness, as highlighted by infectious-disease epidemiologist Talia Quandelacy. However, local urban factors (e.g.,poor sanitation and standing water) also play a significant role in driving epidemics.

!Read More