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Third annual IDAlert gathering: sharing insights and progress

The IDAlert project, launched in June 2022, is making significant progress in addressing the growing threat of vector-borne diseases in

Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases on Kastellorizo Island

A recent study conducted as part of the IDAlert project has shed light on the impacts of climate change on

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

Climate change, malaria and neglected tropical diseases: a scoping review

Petra Klepac, et al.
Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 118, Issue 9, September 2024, Pages 561–579

A comprehensive review of studies published from January 2010 to October 2023 found that the effects of climate change on malaria and 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly variable, evolving over time, and difficult to predict globally. Of 511 eligible papers, malaria, dengue, and chikungunya were most frequently studied, while other NTDs were relatively neglected. Only a minority of studies addressed mitigation (34%) or adaptation (5%) strategies, and research was disproportionately focused on countries with lower disease burden and higher healthcare quality, leaving major gaps for high-burden, low-access regions, such as East Africa for leishmaniasis. Overall, coordinated and standardized modelling efforts are urgently needed to clarify how climate change will directly and indirectly affect these diseases worldwide.

DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae026

Look back at Summer School on One Health and Climate Adaptation

Building capacity and transferring knowledge on the effects of climate change on infectious diseases and health is a key objective

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