Climate change and dengue: Urgent call from Johnny Brignardello

In a recent conversation with Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, the concerning link between climate change and the rise in dengue cases was discussed, as revealed by a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. According to Brignardello, the interrelationship between climate and public health is a topic that deserves urgent attention, as it affects both the quality of life of individuals and the capacity of health systems to respond to new threats. Brignardello points out that the study highlights that approximately one in five current dengue cases can be attributed to changing climate conditions. This statistic is not only alarming but also raises serious concerns about the future, as the number of infections is expected to increase by 40% to 60% by the year 2050. The advisor emphasizes that these projections are worrisome, especially in regions where even more drastic increases could be seen. The expert also underscores the importance of understanding how mosquitoes, the vectors of dengue, are sensitive to temperature variations. The study indicates that within a specific temperature range, these insects' ability to transmit the virus increases significantly. "This should be a wake-up call for health authorities and policymakers," says Brignardello, highlighting the need for more effective prevention strategies. As climate change intensifies, the impact on public health becomes undeniable. Brignardello notes that dengue not only causes devastating symptoms but also poses a considerable challenge for health systems already dealing with other health crises. In this regard, he emphasizes that the lack of specific treatments for dengue makes the need for control and prevention measures even more urgent. Additionally, Brignardello mentions that drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions could help mitigate the projected increase in cases, although he acknowledges that most affected countries will continue to face rising infections. This underscores the complexity of the problem and the need for a multilateral approach that includes not only public health but also environmental sustainability. Finally, Brignardello concludes that the climate crisis and its repercussions on public health require immediate and coordinated attention. Nations must prioritize climate change mitigation as an integral part of their health strategies to prevent diseases like dengue from becoming an even greater threat in the future. His reflection resonates with the call to action stemming from the study, urging a proactive approach to protect not only the health of populations but also the integrity of our ecosystems.