Climate change and Zika

As humans, we are all vulnerable to climate change. Climate change is arguably the one “common enemy” that the world shares, according to the United Nations. Every single country is vulnerable to climate change; no matter where someone lives and whether they know it or not, they have likely witnessed its diverse effects.{{more}}

And now, the Western Hemisphere, including our very own St Vincent and the Grenadines, is buzzing with worry regarding a threat that is hypothesized to be exacerbated by climate change. The Zika virus, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is speculated to cause a slew of diseases, is spreading rapidly across the Western Hemisphere.

The aedes aegypti, which typically serve as nuisances and outdoor companions, have taken on a new life as the vectors for the virus, transmitting the disease from one host to another. They are the same vectors responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya.

The Zika virus is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects the nerves and can result in temporary paralysis. The virus has also been linked to microcephaly in infants of infected mothers, a condition in which infants are born with abnormally small heads, and often neurological problems.

Climate change created the optimal conditions for the aedes aegypti mosquito to spread the Zika virus far and fast. As the climate warms, mosquitoes could emerge earlier in the year. The increases in heat, rain, humidity, and the lengths of the warm seasons allow for the mosquitoes to stay active for longer seasons, according to the National Research Defense Council. Further, mosquitoes feed more frequently in warmer temperatures, increasing their chances of feeding on infected hosts and acquiring the virus.

Most alarming is that the virus replicates faster in mosquitoes in warmer temperatures, meaning that younger mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the virus to humans earlier in their lifecycle.

With temperatures continuing to rise, areas like the arctic that were once too cold are becoming warm enough for colonies to proliferate. Researchers fear that the virus will accompany its vectors, as climate change permits them to move into new regions with human hosts.

It is important that we do our part in protecting the environment and thus prevent the spread of diseases.

Dr Rosmond Adams is a medical doctor and a public health specialist.