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Modelling the impact of climate and the environment on the spatiotemporal dynamics of Lyme borreliosis in Germany

Batista, Martín Lotto et al.
eBioMedicine, Volume 115, 105701

This study used spatiotemporal Bayesian modeling to analyze the impact of climate and environmental factors on Lyme borreliosis (LB) dynamics in Germany. The research found that precipitation, temperature, green spaces, and forest cover positively influenced LB incidence, while human population density had a negative impact. The study also identified increasing trends in LB risk, particularly in northern regions, and highlighted the role of climate in shaping LB distribution and transmission.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105701

Uncovering temperature sensitivity of West Nile virus transmission: Novel computational approaches to mosquito-pathogen trait responses

Heidecke et al. – PLOS Computational Biology, Volume 19, e1012866

This study introduces a computational framework to assess temperature sensitivity in mosquito-pathogen interactions, focusing on West Nile virus (WNV). Using experimental data across 15 mosquito species, the authors estimate temperature response functions for key traits influencing WNV transmission. They find an optimal transmission temperature around 24°C for Culex species and highlight key areas for future research to improve transmission models under climate change.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012866

Harmonizing Multisource Data to Inform Vector-Borne Disease Risk Management Strategies

Lowe R, Codeço CT.
Annu Rev Entomol. 2025 Jan;70(1):337-358.

In the last few decades, we have witnessed the emergence of new vector-borne diseases (VBDs), the globalization of endemic VBDs, and the urbanization of previously rural VBDs. Data harmonization forms the basis of robust decision-support systems designed to protect at-risk communities from VBD threats. Strong interdisciplinary partnerships, protocols, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives are essential for facilitating the coproduction of robust multisource data sets. This review provides a foundation for researchers and practitioners embarking on data harmonization efforts to (a) better understand the links among environmental degradation, climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, and VBD risk; (b) conduct risk assessments, health impact attribution, and projection studies; and (c) develop robust early warning and response systems. We draw upon best practices in harmonizing data for two well-studied VBDs, dengue and malaria, and provide recommendations for the evolution of research and digital technology to improve data harmonization for VBD risk management.

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-040124-015101

Short-term effect of temperature and precipitation on the incidence of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease in Europe: a multi-country case-crossover analysis

Moirano, Giovenale et al. – The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 48, 101149

In recent years, Europe has experienced several outbreaks of West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne pathogen. This study aims to quantify the impact of weekly mean temperature and cumulative precipitation on human cases of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND), to assess the feasibility of climate-informed early warning systems for severe forms of WNV infection.

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101149

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

The 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: facing record-breaking threats from delayed action

Marina Romanello, Maria Walawender, Shih-Che Hsu, Annalyse Moskeland, Yasna Palmeiro-Silva, Daniel Scamman et al. – The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 7, November 2024

The 2024 Lancet Countdown report, produced by 122 researchers from UN agencies and academic institutions, delivers the most concerning findings in eight years of monitoring the health–climate nexus. Despite hopes from the 2015 Paris Agreement, global warming has nearly reached the 1.5°C limit, with record surface temperatures in 2023 and 2024 driving escalating risks to lives and livelihoods worldwide.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1

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

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

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

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