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Heat stress and the labour force

Dasgupta, S., Robinson, E.J.Z., Shayegh, S. et al. – Nat Rev Earth Environ 5, 859–872,

Heat stress affects the health of workers through physiological and behavioural responses, in turn, affecting the labour force through impacts on labour supply, labour productivity and labour capacity. In this Review, we explore the extent to which heat stress affects the labour force and discuss the corresponding occupational health and economic impacts. DOI: 10.1038/s43017-024-00606-1

Residual Longevity of Recaptured Sterile Mosquitoes as a Tool to Understand Field Performance and Reveal Quality.

Balatsos, G et al. – Insects 2024, 15, 826

The current study focused on understanding the longevity and frailty of sterile, non-sterile, and wild male mosquitoes subjected to different treatments, using the novel captive cohort method. Key findings include that marking mosquitoes, following IAEA protocols, had an insignificant effect on longevity under controlled conditions, and that sterilization had no negative effect on male longevity.

DOI: 10.3390/insects15110826

Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Mosquito Species Expansion: A Comprehensive Entomological Surveillance Study on Kastellorizo, a Remote Greek Island

Bisia, M. et al. – Insects 2024, 15, 724

This paper details a study on Kastellorizo island that tracked mosquito species, including the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, using KAP surveys, mosquito traps, and species identification to assess mosquito prevalence and community preparedness. The research revealed the presence of disease-carrying mosquito species and highlighted the need for increased public education and community involvement in mosquito monitoring to develop effective control strategies in isolated areas.

DOI: 10.3390/insects15090724

Evolutionary dynamics of the successful expansion of pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus ST3 in Latin America

Campbell, A.M. et al. – Nature Communications 15, 7828

The evolutionary mechanisms behind global pathogen strain expansions are not well understood, but the spread of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus clone (VpST3) in Latin America offers key insights. This study found that the VpST3 strain was introduced in Latin America earlier than previously thought, adapting successfully to local marine climates through genetic changes that improved resilience and environmental fitness. These findings reveal how this marine pathogen can expand globally by evolving to thrive in distinct climate conditions.

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52159-y

Human–Environment Interactions Shape Mosquito Seasonal Population Dynamics

Blanco-Sierra, L. et al. – Insects 2024, 15(7), 527

This study investigates the factors influencing local populations of Aedes albopictus, a highly invasive mosquito species known for its role in spreading vector-borne diseases. Aimed at enhancing vector control effectiveness, the research focused on understanding the interplay between meteorological elements, human activity, and pest management efforts in determining mosquito abundance at local scales. 

DOI: 10.3390/insects15070527 

A climatic suitability indicator to support Leishmania infantum surveillance in Europe: a modelling study

A climatic suitability indicator to support Leishmania infantum surveillance in Europe: a modelling study Carvalho, Bruno M. et al. – The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 43, 100971

Leishmaniases are neglected diseases transmitted by sand flies. They disproportionately affect vulnerable groups globally. Understanding the relationship between climate and disease transmission allows the development of relevant decision-support tools for public health policy and surveillance. The aim of this modelling study was to develop an indicator that tracks climatic suitability for Leishmania infantum transmission in Europe at the subnational level.

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100971

The 2024 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: unprecedented warming demands unprecedented action

Kim Robin van Daalen et al. – The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 7

In 2023, record-breaking temperatures were recorded globally, with Europe warming at twice the global average, posing severe health risks. The Lancet Countdown in Europe, established in 2021, tracks health impacts of climate change to push for urgent climate-responsive actions. The 2023 report, now expanded to 42 indicators, highlights the worsening health impacts, Europe’s delayed climate action, and emphasizes the need to address inequality and justice in climate responsibility and health risks.

DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00055-0

Field evaluation of an automated mosquito surveillance system which classifies Aedes and Culex mosquitoes by genus and sex

Field evaluation of an automated mosquito surveillance system which classifies Aedes and Culex mosquitoes by genus and sex
González-Pérez MI et al. – Parasit Vectors. 2024 Mar 1;17(1):97

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major concern for public and veterinary health authorities, highlighting the importance of effective vector surveillance and control programs. Traditional surveillance methods are labor-intensive and do not provide high temporal resolution, which may hinder a full assessment of the risk of mosquito-borne pathogen transmission. Emerging technologies for automated remote mosquito monitoring have the potential to address these limitations; however, few studies have tested the performance of such systems in the field.

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06177

The 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms

Marina Romanello et al. – The Lancet

The Lancet Countdown is an international research collaboration that independently monitors the evolving impacts of climate change on health, and the emerging health opportunities of climate action. In its eighth iteration, this 2023 report draws on the expertise of 114 scientists and health practitioners from 52 research institutions and UN agencies worldwide to provide its most comprehensive assessment yet.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01859-7

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