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Byline: Health Desk, Global Times
The year 2024 witnessed an alarming resurgence of infectious diseases worldwide, raising urgent concerns about the impact of climate change, declining vaccination rates, and evolving pathogen variants. A report from London-based disease forecasting firm Airfinity Ltd. underscores the growing threat posed by preventable and climate-sensitive illnesses, calling for a unified global health response.
Record-Breaking Dengue Epidemic
Dengue fever surged to unprecedented levels, with over 13 million cases reported globally by December—more than double the previous year’s total. Central and South America bore the brunt, experiencing nearly triple the infections compared to 2023. The outbreak claimed nearly 10,000 lives worldwide, underscoring the disease’s deadly impact.
Pertussis and Mpox on the Rise
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, saw a dramatic tenfold increase in cases compared to 2023. Meanwhile, mpox, traditionally considered less severe than smallpox, became more dangerous after a new strain emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hundreds of deaths were reported, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global public health emergency for the second time.
Emerging Threats: Avian Influenza and Marburg Virus
The United States reported an unprecedented 61 cases of avian influenza caused by the H5N1 virus, while Rwanda faced its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus, a highly lethal disease that causes hemorrhagic fever. Both developments signal the growing complexity of global health challenges.
Climate Change Fuels Disease Spread
Airfinity’s analysis highlights climate change as a significant driver behind the resurgence of vector-borne diseases. Rising global temperatures—2024 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history—have allowed disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks to thrive in new regions.
The average global temperature reached 1.62°C above pre-industrial levels in November, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Warmer climates create favorable conditions for the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria, and oropouche fever, all of which rely on vectors to infect human populations.
Declining Vaccination Rates Amplify Threats
A steep decline in immunization rates post-COVID-19 further exacerbated the spread of preventable diseases. Measles cases surged by 380% in the U.S. and 147% in Europe. Disruptions in vaccination campaigns due to armed conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan contributed to a resurgence of polio, which remains endemic in these nations.
Call for a Coordinated Global Response
Kristan Piroeva, an analyst at Airfinity, emphasized the urgency of addressing these health threats through collaboration. “The resurgence of preventable and climate-sensitive illnesses highlights the importance of adhering to preventive measures while advancing innovation to address diseases,” Piroeva said. She urged global data sharing and enhanced disease surveillance to enable a coordinated public health response.
A Warning for the Future
The findings from Airfinity serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health, climate, and socio-political stability. As preventable diseases make a devastating comeback and new pathogens emerge, experts warn that without immediate action, the world risks facing even greater public health crises in the years to come.
Tags: Health, Climate Change, Vaccination, Global Diseases, Infectious Diseases
