Dangerous Mosquitoes that Transmit Dengue Fever and Zika Virus Could Reach 1 Billion People

Disease-carrying mosquitoes need favorable atmospheric conditions like high temperatures. Due to global warming and rise in temperature, dangerous mosquitoes that transmit diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus are increasing in high numbers. As per a new study, greenhouse gases that are emitted continuously provide a conducive environment to disease-carrying mosquitoes. Over the next 60 years, about 1 billion people are expected to be exposed to two species these mosquitoes. Especially the US, Europe and Canada will face higher exposure.

A mosquito bite isn’t limited to effects like superficial skin irritation. They carry fatal diseases with them. Malaria, Zika virus, dengue, etc. are transmitted by mosquitoes. As per the World Health Organization, mosquitoes are one of the most deadly creatures on earth as they lead to millions of deaths in the world per year. There are two species of mosquitoes that affect human health by transmitting Zika virus and chikungunya virus. These bugs need temperatures between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit to grow favorably.

In the tropics and subtropics, dengue fever is the single leading cause of deaths of people. Every year, almost 400 million people are infected with dengue fever as per the reports of CDC. Currently, these disease-carrying mosquitoes are only found in a few regions that have higher temperatures. However, as earth is getting warmer, these species are growing. Last 4-5 years have been the hottest till date as per the records. These bugs were found near the equatorial areas till now, but they are slowly expanding in the north and south as well.

In the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, a new study was published which informs about how the climatic changes are affecting the growth of some virus-carrying mosquitoes. The study says that in the next 30 years, about 500 million people will be at risk of exposure to these bugs. By the year 2080, more than 1 billion new people will be at risk of getting affected by the mosquitoes if the greenhouse gases continue to be emitted.