The effects of climate change on malaria transmission

On World Malaria Day on Thursday, researchers said that climate significantly affects how malaria spreads.

Every year on April 25, people mark World Malaria Day to raise awareness of the illness that is carried by mosquitoes. This year’s theme is “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” as a large number of people throughout the globe lack access to timely, effective, and reasonably priced malaria prevention, detection, and treatment services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that malaria killed 608, 000 people globally in 2022 and that there were 249 million new cases.

Malaria research published in the Lancet in 2022 revealed that rising temperatures may also hasten the development of the malaria parasite, increasing malaria’s impact and spread. A mere two- to three degree Celsius rise in temperature might result in a five percent rise in the number of individuals susceptible to the illness, or an additional 700 million people.

Changes in climate are a major factor in changing the ways that malaria spreads, especially from June to November during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons. The female Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria parasites, finds perfect breeding grounds when there is a sudden downpour, which causes waterlogging and the buildup of stagnant water. Due to an increase in mosquito breeding in these water bodies, there was a spike in malaria cases during this time, according to Dr. Manish Mittal, Consultant Physician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara.

“Immediate diagnosis and treatment are critical to reducing the effects of malaria; people should seek medical attention for feverish symptoms and simple blood tests as a result of increased awareness,” he said.

Researchers from the University of Florida have shown in a recent study that different characteristics of parasites and mosquitoes show erratic correlations with temperature, and that when temperatures rise in the future, the possibility for transmission may grow in certain areas while decreasing in others.

The research, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, also raises the possibility that the pace of parasite growth may be less responsive to temperature fluctuations than previously believed and that parasites might grow more swiftly in colder climates.

“Avoiding building sites and making sure stagnant water is quickly removed, particularly at construction sites, are the main solutions. Along with covering oneself while traveling, homes should get rid of anything that collects water, such as pots and old tires, according to Dr. Rajeev Boudhankar, Medical Director of Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai.

Additionally, Dr. Manish emphasized the use of personal protective equipment like mosquito nets and insect repellents.